Everything Old is New Again

We've just finished the gift-giving portion of the holidays. Everyone seemed happy with their gifts, but I felt compelled to tell you about the three top hits. Despite the plethora of craft kits, play equipment, jewelry, books, and fun accessories, the hands-down favorites were the season 1 DVDs of Gilligan's Island, Wonder Woman, and Little House on the Prarie.

With FirstKid being twelve and SecondKid being nine, I would have expected their top five list to consist of That's So Raven, Hannah Montana, The Avatar, and so forth, but consistently over the past couple of years, they just love the old stuff. They watch Andy Griffith, Happy Days, Shirley Temple, Three's Company, Full House, and so forth. I have to say that as a parent, I am thrilled. These old shows were silly fluff, but they actually entertained you without offensive language or risque topics. We never have to worry about censoring those shows because they just never attempted to be inappropriate.

Now, Little House on the Prarie was a guaranteed hit because the kids had seen it before on cable. They've also read the books, and they just love it. Who wouldn't love Laura's do-good-but-have-fun attitude, or Michael Landon's sensitive tears? Who wouldn't love to hate Nelly Olsen and her mean mom? It also gave a little flavor for the American past. It's all good.

The Wonder Woman choice was inspired by the Halloween costume that SecondKid chose. She just loved the outfit and the idea of being a superhero. She didn't know the details of Wonder Woman's story. Now, however, she adores the show, the character, and the premise. She's learned a little about World War II, to boot. It's a classic good-guy-fights-bad-guy-and-wins-every-time story, and it's even better because the good guy in this is a very strong, very beautiful woman. Despite the plastic push-up bustiere, Wonder Woman is still a good role model.

Finally, Gilligan's Island is such a big hit in the house that it's all that they want to watch. Actually, LabDad adores it, as well, and remembers every episode, too. Yes, this show is kind of just pathetic goofiness with its slapstick humor and predictable story lines, but it is also G-rated. There is no profanity, no nudity, and nothing inappropriate. It's fun and upbeat, and even relies on classic tales for some stories (some Greek myths, etc.). I honestly believe that there is inherent value in something that just plain causes uncontrollable laughter in a child (or adult). Watching Gilligan's Island has become a family activity, and what could be better than laughing your head off with your kids?

I know there are plenty of DVDs out there that have much more value (educational, motivational, moral, etc.), but our three top gifts this year are choices I would make again and again for these rugrats of mine.