My DD is 2, we don't have the tv on very often, mainly because she hasnt been very interested in it, or we've been doing something elsewhere in the house, not cos I'm a 'no-TV' kinda mum. DD watches In The Night Garden before bed, likes it, asks for it and knows the characters and songs etc, she will watch other things on CBeebies, it's hit and miss really! She has some Disney Princess stuff, even though she's never seen a Disney Princess DVD, she has some other branded bits and pieces despite never having watched the show etc.
Went to a playgroup the other day, DD was wearing her Peppa Pig sandals (again, has never seen Peppa, I'm not even sure what channel its on!) another mum asked DD who was on her sandals, DD responded "A piggy!" the mum promted her that it was Peppa, and I (lightheartedly) said that she hasn't seen the show. The mum looked horrified and basically said that it was important that children knew all their characters or they won't be able to make friends with other kids when she is older as they'll have nothing in common etc etc etc. She even said that DD would get laughed at and left out.
I know at 2 this isn't such a problem, but it's made me worry that when she starts pre-school etc she might get picked on for not being 'brand savvy' when it comes to children's tv characters.
But seriously, how much tv am I going to half to make my DD watch to make sure she is 'accepted'? I thought I was NBU about DD not needing to watch tv and know the characters but now I'm not so sure....... 
AIBU?
I though I was NBU, but now I'm confused :-S - children's tv characters
LifeIsButtercream · 20/07/2011 13:05
You'll be amazed at ho much kids pick up before they start school and whilst at scholl. My DCs do watch a fair amount of TV 
but we only have freeview so don't know the full range of programmes. Similarly we rarely go to the cinema or watch DVDs but mine (now 7 and 9) seem fairly aware of a range of things that they certainly don't know from home eg Dr Who characters, the insand outso of X factor etc latest films and pop songs. Don't worry about your DD - carry one with the way you feel is right - teh other woman sounds a bit !
YANBU, too much importance is placed on brands and characters. 4yo DD knows most characters - we don't have normal tv (disconnected it, just have DVDs now) and those she doesn't watch she's picked up the names at nursery anyway. It's unavoidable by that age, and I'm not bothered, I just mostly try to stick with generic toys as they are much more versatile anyway. I've introduced her to more vintage characters too - she likes Top Cat, Dangermouse and various others.
As if a 2yo is going to get left out of a clique because she doesn't know Peppa FFS! 
Children are so adaptable, she would still fit in and pick up whatever was necessary to join in the game.
When they are tiny it's all about the parents' choices anyway. I keep seeing new babies in buggies with ITNG accessories - who's that for, I don't think the baby chose it 
My DD2 (2.5yrs old) was given a Hello Kitty handmedown from her cousin, and someone said "ooh, who's that on your T-shirt?" and she said it was "hello pussy cat" which has been what it has now become known in our family :)
Your DD will pick up on the characters' names from others at school soon enough, and will therefore avoid being ostracised by her peers. If not, I'm sure there'll be a 'Children's TV Characters for Dummies' book or Crib Notes on Kiddies' TV in your local Waterstones
We don't have a TV. Didn't stop dd1 putting her hand up at school one time when they asked who'd watched TV the night before. Me and the TA were laughing in the corner. 
According to dd2 (aged then 5yo) Ben 10 is what boys have on their underpants.
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YANBU! She's a either a bit unhinged or trying to justify the fact that her kids watch too much telly.
This bit The mum looked horrified and basically said that it was important that children knew all their characters or they won't be able to make friends with other kids when she is older as they'll have nothing in common etc etc etc. She even said that DD would get laughed at and left out. reminded me of a conversation that happened when I was a lot younger. Different subject, but similar outcome in the mind of the person telling me. My sister (2 years my senior) told me when I was 14 that I'd never get/keep a boyfriend because I couldn't put my bra on 'properly' (I'm a do-it-up-at-the-front-and-twizzle kinda gal, always have been, oh, and not only did I manage to get a boyfriend, I've been married to him for 13 years...).
All it's worthy of is a face and a wtf?!
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