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Eight Low-Stimulation Kids' TV Shows Our Family Loves

By Ashley French
Ashley and daughter Jupiter smelling flowers

When it comes to TV, Chris and I try to keep things balanced. Chris is the more mindful parent (he loves structure) and I’m a bit more go-with-the-flow. We’re both aligned, though, on one thing: we don’t love having the kids sit in front of a screen for long stretches of time. We’ve noticed how too much screen time can affect their moods, especially Jupiter’s. So we’ve found a rhythm that works for us: a little bit of screen time after breakfast, and a little right before dinner. The rest of the day is for play, creativity, and just being kids.

That said, we’re realists. Some days call for a show—whether it’s a rainy morning, a sick day, or when Mom and Dad just need a breather. I still love TV myself, and I don’t believe in all-or-nothing rules. What helps is choosing shows that are low-stimulation, gentle, and rooted in beautiful stories or calm themes. These are some of our family’s favorite low-key, calm TV shows. 

 


Stillwater

Stillwater takes a lot of Zen teachings and wraps them up in an animated series about a wise panda who shares fables with his young neighbors. There’s one story I particularly love about filling your cup too full. The show shares simple but profound lessons about mindfulness and emotions told in a way kids can absorb.

Lovely Little Farm

This one is just adorable. It’s about two sisters (and their new baby brother) growing up on a small farm in the English countryside, where the animals talk and the storylines are filled with heart. The girls learn about taking care of animals, and of course the setting is my dream version of farm life. Jupiter loves it too; she’ll sit and say, “Are we going to have a farm like this someday?”

Reading Rainbow

Raise your hand if you grew up with Reading Rainbow! The new reboot features Mychal the librarian, and it’s everything you want it to be. It has the same magic that made the original so beloved, but it feels modern and fresh. Mychal’s enthusiasm for libraries is so wonderful, and I love how the show asks kids questions about the book that has just been read to them.

Guess How Much I Love You

This one feels like a bedtime story come to life, because… it is! If you like the book series, you'll probably like how gentle and quiet this show is. No loud noises, no villains, just soft storytelling and sweet moments between Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare.

Puffin Rock

Oona the puffin and her little brother Baba live on a tiny island off the Irish coast, and the whole world of Puffin Rock feels magical in its simplicity. The animation is soft and painterly, and Chris O’Dowd’s narration gives it a lot of warmth. The puffins explore tide pools, watch the weather change, and learn about nature. Season three has just launched in Ireland and we’re counting the days until it’s here.

Tumble Leaf

This show is whimsical but still calm. It follows Fig, a curious blue fox who discovers new things in his world each episode. There isn't any chaos or fast cuts. Just thoughtful storytelling and a sense of wonder about how things work.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood

Like putting on a great sweater and classic sneakers, some things never go out of style. It's hard to think of a better role model than Fred Rogers. While the vintage episodes show their age (in a charming way, if you ask me) their messages are just as relevant today.

Bluey

You probably already know about Bluey, but I love how the show manages to be wildly entertaining for kids while still feeling deeply respectful of them. What I really appreciate is how it shows the messy, funny, and sometimes exhausting moments of family life, but always with so much love and empathy.

For our family, watching TV together is part of what keeps it balanced. Chris and I try to sit with the kids when we can, asking questions or making little observations about what’s happening on-screen. It keeps them engaged and helps them learn how to think about what they’re watching instead of zoning out.