Playground for Parents

Reading Rainbow Ends. Say It Isn't So!

I LOVE television, especially reality shows (hey, don't judge me - have you seen the drama on Big Brother? Housewives of Atlanta?). But, I try not to get too attached because I know they could be gone in an instant. Sometimes it's hard just keeping up with what day and time they're on, and when their new season starts. So, when a show is being pulled from the air and replaced with some b.s., I've never cared enough to write an angry letter to a network, or initiate an email petition. 

 

However, I have quite a strong reaction to the Emmy award-winning "Reading Rainbow" coming to an end today. After an amazing 26 year run (1983-2006), it's contract has terminated. I'm sad and disappointed, as it was one of the best programs on PBS. I appreciated it as an option for my oldest daughter, and looked forward to exposing my baby to it in about a year. We've had it set on our DVR to record every episode. In fact, I was so supportive of the show's content, that my daughter didn't have to earn tv time to watch it, like she does for other programs. It was informative, engaging, and entertaining, without all the animated violence. Each show provided a narration of a storybook, which offered real-life lessons that could be applied to everyday situations. And the host, LeVar Burton, exposed kids to a world of literature, culture, and a vast array of age-appropriate topics, from slavery to sports, school anxiety to losing teeth.

 

 

 

So, now what?  "Zoom!" is nowhere to be found. She's too old for "Sesame Street." And "WordGirl" simply isn't as diverse in its content. Thank God for "Fetch," or my kid would be getting her educational entertainment from SpongeBob.  We'll miss you, LeVar! See you on DVD.

 

 

Prayers for Bobby

I just cried with Sigourney Weaver.  "Prayers for Bobby," her latest movie, aired tonight on Lifetime Television. I saw the previews. I watched Sigourney's interview on The View earlier this week.  So, I knew what I was getting into and I was prepared to watch this true story of a mother who rejected her gay son, which ultimately resulted in his suicide. I've always been intrigued by ordinary parents whose strict values or religious beliefs lead them to make unimaginable decisions, even concerning their own children. Many years ago, I didn't think it was possible to be both educated and homophobic. And then I received a quick dose of reality when a college friend admitted that she'd disown her son if he were gay. I felt saddened, and even a bit scared. Then hoped for his sake that he grew up to be a ladies man. All of us parents believe we are going to love our children unconditionally...until some of us are tested.  "Prayers for Bobby" is a dramatic lesson in what can happen when we fail that test.  My hope is that the movie opened some minds, and hearts, this evening; that our child still feels the most accepted, the most loved, and the safest, in that same home that nurtured him as a little boy, comforted him when he was scared, and fought for him when he was helpless.