Yo Gabba Gabba

One Katy Mom shares how she uses her kids’ TV favorite as a parenting tool

What is it about these guys?

I skipped the Barney craze and luckily missed out completely on the Teletubbies.  I did some babysitting and so I knew of them, but I never had a deep understanding of these children’s television icons.

I am getting paid back tenfold via Yo Gabba Gabba. 

In today’s media driven society, there are so many more choices out there for television for children.  And, with as much as we limit tv time in our house, we’ve been through a few crazes: Sesame Street, The Wiggles, The Doodlebops… and most recently, Yo Gabba Gabba.

Yo Gabba Gabba has taken my family by storm.  When my husband and I saw our first episode, we were confused and amazed.  Why didn’t these people take the time to make costumes with mouths that move?  Why does Muno have a black zipper down his back when the rest of his costume is red?  Why don’t they care if the words rhyme?  And, the most important, overarching question: Who in the world comes up with this stuff?

For all of our confusion, our children (Avery, 3 ½ and Kate, 18 months) were in absolute television bliss.  Kate, who will not sit still for anything, seems to go into some sort of trance when the show comes on.  From start to remixed ending, she moves less during the show than during any other time of the day.  Avery loves the show, as well.  It’s somehow edgy, in a kid-ish way.  She sings basic morals to her sister and to herself throughout the day: “Keep trying, keep trying, don’t give up… never give up,” or a recent favorite: “Don’t bite your friends!  Don’t, don’t, don’t bite your friends!” 

I’ve used Yo Gabba Gabba in parenting more often than I prefer to admit.  At lunch time, I sing “Try it… you’ll like it.”   When it is important to remember to share or when it’s bedtime, I have Yo Gabba Gabba songs at the ready.

I can appreciate Yo Gabba Gabba for what it is.  And I can love it for how still and happy it keeps my kids. 

Are you a Yo Gabba Gabba fan?  What kid’s shows does your family enjoy?  Post a comment!

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