WIBU to not allow popular kids characters/music in the house?

[Elilanna]

No kids yet, but I'm hoping to have them in the near-ish future, work in the early childhood sector and have a young niece and nephew so I'm quite aware of what's popular with the little ones these days, but I'm personally not a fan and would rather not expose my own children to any of that media, at least not when they're very small - but I've heard a lot of criticism of this approach, that "only crunchy hippie mums do that!" and "it's part of our culture, you're depriving them of an important part of childhood!" Specifically I'd be avoiding Disney, Cocomelon, and the Wiggles, and even things I don't mind wouldn't be on baby's clothes & other belongings as I don't believe in turning your child into free advertising for a popular brand. I'm otherwise not very "hippie" or "crunchy", this is just the one thing where I'd like to limit their exposure.

So... tell me I'm not the only one who wants to do this?

I don’t understand the hate on Peppa, I think it’s quite funny; although not a patch on their sister program Ben and Holly! Bing however can fall off a cliff asap 🤯

My ds had never seen an episode of peppa pig but I bought the yogurts because they were on offer. He now calls yogurts peppa and pretty much anything else he likes he calls it peppa. Fuck knows why. I did give in yo peppa eventually but not that often and it was good for the plane.

100% this

I'm not sure gender specific stuff is so damaging. When I was little I was so inspired by the lead characters in Disney and lots of other things, lots of books, and I was inspired to be just like them. Looking back they were virtually all male but it just never occurred to me at the time for it to be any less relevant to me because I was a different gender. I ended up doing what you might call some very gender busting things in my life, and some real adventures and I think those fictional characters all had a big positive impact in that.

Of course we are all different but I thought it was worth mentioning.

It sounds like The Wiggles brought your brother great joy, as they do to most children. It would also be something he could bond with your hypothetical kids over. My DD is very musical now and I do credit The Wiggles, (and not the Baby Mozart DVD I bought when she was about two weeks old) with some of her ear for music.

But they are your future children so up to you OP.

I love chocolate and bacon and wouldn't deprive my kids of the joy they get from eating those - it's just that I don't like Disney, Cocomelon or Wiggles and would rather not show it to them, at least for as long as that's in my power 🤷🏻‍♀️ as they get older I recognise there's nothing I can do. As for other "crunchy" parent things I'm undecided as to whether I want to breastfeed or not and don't think I'd do cloth nappies.

Everyone is a perfect sound of music style parent until they have them. I certainly was. But when I need to clean the kitchen and hey duggee is the only thing that my Toddler will calmly sit and watch then it's going on the tv! I don't allow cocomelon though- it's far too annoying.

To be fair though I have banned certain things but mainly because they're not appropriate. My 5 year old learnt about among us from school but then became obsessed with killing so that's a hard no. But there's needs to be a genuine reason not just mummy doesn't like it.

I very much doubt Sizzling is in any way insecure - nor from her post does she need to be. She’s not being nasty either - you on the other hand…

I can proudly say I know every song Peppa pig has sung!

@SEVENUPCHERRY I'm not sure how you are reading that, I've said stupid things pre children and judged people before I had my own. My mum laughed at me at the time and now reminds me of the funny things I said pre children. We all know the reality is very different to having imaginary kids! Not at all insecure, 3 great children thanks.

Breastfeeding isn’t ‘crunchy’ OP.

I wouldn't give any hypothetical situation this much thought.

Pre-child me was super mum. Actual parent me is stressed, tired, get through the day in whatever way I can mum.

yeah, I'm specifically against Cocomelon and Disney for the reasons you mentioned - too American for my liking. Certainly no Mickey or Minnie. My dad said the same when I was born, but was overruled by Mum. Dad preferred I watch anything that didn't have American accents in, but Mum had grown up with Disney so...

Maybe you should try to unpick why you are prejudiced against things being 'too American'. You realise America is a vast country full of actual human beings, and is capable of producing content other than specific cartoon characters that you dislike, right?

What does 'too American' even mean?

Oh and in general also just YABU, for all the many reasons listed upthread.

People say she's a brat. Haven't really seen it myself tbh! The only dodgy part is the frequent shaming of Daddy Pig for having a big tummy, I'm quite surprised that's still allowed in this day and age! It's the only show DS watches since we introduced screens and I've quite grown to enjoy it, though the 'my first album' by Peppa Pig is better imo.

I guess this means that in years to come, you won't be allowing your kids to read Harper Lee, John Steinbeck, Maya Angelou or F Scott Fitzgerald? Very American, after all.

My first thought too lol

You won't be depriving them, because you will need to make active choices all the time and then to explain them. This is good for children .I'm with you: no Barbies in my house, though My Little Pony got in; and Pocahontas' history was known before we went to see the film. (This was back in the days of BBC Sunday serialisations, which we watched as a family: I hope some Mumsnetters remember The Borrowers or The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe?) Outcome: similar lines being laid down for grandchildren. I am not a 'crunchy hippie', but I objected then, and now, to creeping American cultural imperialism. Not my own phrase, but I've found it a useful way of thinking about things.
You do you, OP.. Good luck.

To be fair I don’t give my kids bacon because of the salt content and the fact that it’s pretty unhealthy. I’m not particularly OTT about their diet but that’s not something I would give them.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Good luck with that 😂

It’s pretty easy until they get older. I only have one so no big siblings to copy and he didn’t watch TV until he was about 4. He never had branded/ character clothes until he was old enough to chose then his favourite t shirt for ages was a paw patrol one despite never having seen it. He liked the dogs.

He’s 7 now and watches some TV which is fine with me. I like TV too.

I don’t like CocoMelon something about it feels quite sinister but I can’t put my finger on it?

Love Ben and Holly and Hey Duggee!

^This^

I don't think cloth nappies are 'crunchy' either. They were the norm before plastic nappies became more common in the 80s after all. I've saved a ton of money so far with ours :)