*This is a Sponsored Post- All Opinions Are My Own & Haydan’s*
Let me start by saying that the television that graced my 40lb Panasonic television back in the late 90’s is quite different than the crap that unwelcomingly displays itself on our television now in 2015.
I grew up looking forward to TGIF each Friday with my family. Family Matters, Dinosaurs, and Step by Step were a few of my favorites. I’m not sure if you’ve read my feelings on children’s television programming with my Children’s Television – HELP ME! post for kids around Haydan’s age (7 years) but I was very opinionated (shocker) in my thoughts about Jessie, Zoey, and all those other ridiculous made-up Nickelodeon stars that eventually end up on the cover of Juggs. Or worse, in rehab as a result of being tossed into the spotlight at a ridiculous age and being pushed to emulate the entertainment industries standards as to what a 12 year old should look like.
Haydan used words and phrases that I had to put an immediate stop to. ‘Whatever’ being one of the most prominent. I don’t need my 7-year-old talking like a hormonal teen in need of a serious attitude adjustment. I’m certain I’ll have that coming when she hits her teen years. However, after an exhausting day for a family, you come home and want to crash out on the couch for a couple hours or take a brief respite from the chaos of the day. Unfortunately, there enters Zoey, Jessie, and that stupid yellow sponge in his damn pineapple.
A company called Vibrant TV Network reached out to me as they had come across my post discussing my thoughts on the inappropriate nature of children’s television available to our young ones on major cable networks. They suggested Haydan and I check out a new television series they have that is viewable on HULU called, “My Place“.
Haydan and I snuggled up in my bed and watched Season 1 Episode 10, “Bertie” on HULU. The show is set back in 1918 and follows a boy, Bertie, around as he tries to raise money to purchase a gift for his brother who will soon be returning from World War I. The show briefly touches on WWI in a way that is understandable for children, yet not enough to scare them.
As an interesting side note, have you noticed how most shows now a day make no reference to important events in the world, past or present? WWI I suppose is pretty difficult to explain to a 7-year-old, however, I believe it is more than an appropriate age to explain to children what war means and furthermore, that is continues to exist. I thought this was something that made the show different. The show being set back in time gave Haydan a peak into what life was like in the early 1900’s from their attire, their lives, homes, and current events during that time.
Haydan is learning about Martin Luther King, Civil Rights, and prominent historian figures such as Rosa Parks, I see no reason why she cannot have a brief introduction to one of the most historical wars in history, especially in an entertainment fashion. What’s better than something capturing your children’s attention while also teaching them important lessons in not only life, but history?
Anyhow, Bertie goes to great efforts to come up with the money to buy the gift for his brother and gets himself into a little mischief along the way. In the end, he learns a valuable lesson for not only his actions but also when his brother, Eddie, arrives back home from the way. I won’t give away the ending but the episode is surely worth watching with your young ones.
Haydan enjoyed it so much that we watched the next episode in Season 1: Episode 11, “Evelyn” . The show is neat because it travels back 10 years every episode, however, the setting remains constant.
This episode was different and just as fun and painted a similar picture; young ones make errors here and there and how they correct their errors (apologies, etc.) and learn from their lessons. ‘Evelyn’ was no different. I think Haydan liked the ‘Evelyn’ episode better seeing it was centered around a girl and she could relate on that level.
Truth be told, I really did find the show beyond appropriate and entertaining and even more so, Haydan truthfully enjoyed the show, too. We logged into HULU through our Wii but you can also watch the episodes on your computer here on HULU or directly through Vibrant TV Network.
Compared to the television that our kids come home to each day after school, this was a welcomed change, one that we will likely stick to. It was different, fun, didn’t look as though it was made on a soundstage as it had different scenery (shot outdoors from the early 1900’s perspective) and didn’t have a bunch of 13 year olds in skin tight clothes with platinum blonde hair.
Haydan really enjoyed it and I truly think it’s worth at least checking out an episode or two.
Currently, Vibrant TV has two special online streaming video offers for new subscribers on their website:
- 2 week free online streaming video subscription, after 2 weeks the subscription moves to a low recurring rate of $4.99/month. You can cancel anytime.
- Get 1 month free with a 6 month online streaming video subscription for $24.95. That’s 6 months for the price of 5. If after 2 weeks you decide to continue with your subscription, Vibrant TV is temporarily offering an extra free month of services with a 5 month subscription.
Check out Vibrant TV’s website to sign up to receive your free 2 week online streaming video subscription! Vibrant TV Network-Subscribe
Let me know your feedback, I’d be interested to hear if your kids enjoyed the show as much as Haydan did.
You can check out Vibrant TV on Facebook and stay up to date on all the happenings with My Place and their other television programming offerings.
Gonna have to check this out! I agree the Disney tween crap is awful and off limits in this house.
It is SO bad. All of those girls are teaching Haydan words that seem so harmless when we hear them but out of the mouthes of babes–it is horrifying. I was glad to find something new that Barb liked.
Will have to look at this – I’m a little sick of Disney Jr. and Nick Jr…although I can’t believe you were hating on Sponge Bob!!!!
I know. You’d think I’d like that yellow sponge–I just can’t. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I really don’t like him.
Great post!! Those Disney ‘tween’ shows freak me out, I dont let Hudson watch them. Thanks for sharing this!
Yeah!! Let me know what ya think! The show is great for boys and girls so I’m sure Hudson would love it 🙂
Definitely need to check this out, thank you for sharing! And I really miss those Friday night tv shows as well!
We should start a #BringBackTGIF movement! haha 😉
My daughter is 13 she’d love a show like that. She’s into science and history. Thanks for sharing. I’ll have to check it out.
Awesome!! So great to hear Theresa! I hope she likes it! I liked it an I’m in my 30’s! 🙂 lol
Thankfully, we don;t have cable so Nickelodeon and Disney will NOT be an option. I am ALL OVER Hulu though. That and Netflix is how we stay up on all our shows!
I have a Netflix addiction. It is a bit out of control–and now I know what HULU is….this could be troublesome.. lol
My kids are 3 and 4, so a little old for them, but honestly after reading your review, I could totally watch and anjoy this show as a 39 year old! Thanks for sharing!
hahaha! You and I both, Susan!! We can watch and report back to one another on our favorite episodes! LOL
Sounds like something worth checking out. I only DVR episodes of Phineas and Ferb for Mitch…its the only cartoon I can stomach right now. Why are kids always brats on live tv shows?
RIGHT?! Those are my feelings too. Then our kids end up emulating them. AGHHH
I hope this show is still around when Eve is older! Through my years of babysitting before having a baby of my own I know how mind-numbing some of the shows out there are. This show looks really interesting and like something I would actually want to watch as well! (And I used to love TGIF! My favorite was Boy Meets World.)
They are really out of control. They aren’t thought provoking and do nothing to stimulate the mind. The TGIF shows back in the day at least had lessons to be learned in a way that was entertaining. I loved Step By Step and Family Matters. That is how I felt about this My Place show–it provided entertainment but also lessons applicable to kids– and a dab of history too–which is incredible, I think.
I am beyond fed up of some of the crap my son watches so I will be checking this out. Thanks for the tip! (That’s what she said? Lol)
I bet he will love it, Alison! Let me know!! 🙂 I think you would like it too!!
Thank you! I’m totally signing up for this! We font have cable, so depend on Netflix and my kids 7 and 5. Are drawn to the crappie tween stuff. Can’t wait to check this out!
Wonderful!, Jill I hope everyone enjoys it 🙂