Falling out of Love with Curious George

Don't we all just love this guy

One of PBS Kids' headliners and most loved characters is Curious George. Even those of us without kids know that banana yellow hat and that big smile that belongs to the curious adventurous little monkey lovingly called George. When my son first began to gravitate to this little guy I thought "This show is harmless, why not". We even have a Curious George story collection book that we read from at bedtime. The little cub is quite taken by him and I am sure we will have a Curious George themed birthday party this year.

Problem....I am falling out of love with Curious George. The more I watch this show with my son the more I am certain that little monkey is responsible for the mischief of my not yet two year old son as well as his affinity for making monkey like noises in response to my questions. I'm putting Curious George before the court of public opinion.

Charge # 1: Teaching Children that Mischief Leads to Rewards

I'm not sure how much of this show you have watched but in each episode George does something mischievous that he absolutely should not do. Somehow this mischief always results in something positive and the show ends with George being the hero. In real life disobedience or mischief rarely leads to something positive. Not a good real life example.

Charge# 2: Delays Children Speech

George does not use real words. Of course he doesn't; he is a monkey. Instead George makes a sound that is similar to Uh huh and Ahhh. Well now anytime I ask my son if he wants something or if he likes something he makes the EXACT same sound as Curious George. Problem here...my son used to say yes and actually use his words.

Charge# 3: Bad Example of Parenting

George is not the only one setting a bad example. That Man in the Yellow Hat leaves George alone frequently. Now I am not sure how old George is supposed to be and I do realize that he is a pet monkey so like all pets he can be left alone. My issue is they liken this monkey to a child in every other sense and he appears to be close to preschool age and unless I'm missing something preschoolers should not be left alone. Also, someone needs to child/monkey proof that house. Half the reason George can get into everything is because EVERYTHING is accessible.

What say you parents? Is Curious George a harmless, delightful, educational program for our little ones or...is he a mischief teaching, speech delaying, poor example of parenting program that well...who I am kidding. The cub loves this show. Did you catch that we are having a Curious George themed birthday party this month. Watch out for the pictures and stay curious.