What Can I Let My Kids Watch These Days?

Samantha Stephenson shares options for wholesome entertainment for children.  

As Catholic moms, we want to provide our children with wholesome and edifying entertainment that can enrich their minds, hearts, and souls. We also want to protect them from the harmful and immoral influences that are rampant in the mainstream media and culture. But how can we find and choose the best options for our children, especially when there are so many choices and platforms available? How can we guard what goes into their minds as a sacred duty, and not as a form of censorship?  

6 trusted sources for children's programming

Here are some of the trusted alternatives for children's programming that I recommend for Catholic moms: 

Formed.org

This is an online platform that provides access to thousands of Catholic movies, shows, books, and audio programs for all ages and stages. You can find programs that cover topics such as Scripture, sacraments, saints, catechism, and morality. You can also find programs that are fun, entertaining, and uplifting, such as cartoons, documentaries, and dramas. You can subscribe to FORMED for a monthly or annual fee, or you can get it for free through some parishes or dioceses. 

BentKey

This is a paywalled selection of children’s programming by The Daily Wire. Bentkey offers original animated series and cartoons that are wholesome and edifying. 

Marcam

The Marcam YouTube channel creates animated videos that teach children about the Catholic faith and the saints. You can find videos that explain the basics of the faith, such as the Creed, the Commandments, the Sacraments, and the Mass.  

PureFlix

This is an online streaming service that offers Christian and family-friendly movies, shows, and documentaries. You can find programs that are inspirational, educational, or entertaining, such as God’s Not Dead, The Case for Christ, and The Chosen. You can subscribe to PureFlix for a monthly or annual fee, or you can get a free trial for a limited time. 

Saints on YouTube

Christian Family TV is a collection of YouTube channels that feature videos about the lives and teachings of the saints.  

Oldies but goodies

You can always fall back on the shows you loved as a child. I Love Lucy, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Touched by an Angel, Little House on the Prairie, and Star Trek: The Next Generation provide humor and timeless stories the whole family can enjoy.  

These are some of the trusted alternatives for children programming that I recommend to Catholic moms. What are some of YOUR family’s favorites?  

Editor's note: a bonus resource from our sister ministry

CatholicMom.com's sister ministry, Family Theater Productions, offers a blog focused on entertainment news, with many articles about movies and TV programs for families with children of all ages. Follow the Family Theater blog to find out what shows and movies you and your kids can enjoy together.

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Copyright 2024 Samantha Stephenson
Images: Canva