The show is nearly unwatchable for kids over 6. It's calm and gentle, not happy and funny.
But Dan (Rebecca's baby brother) chews it up like chocolate on ice cream - and its lessons work! I can't tell you how many times I've pulled out In the Night Garden's calming music, soothing storylines, and dream setting to quiet a meltdown or get kids to take a nap or go to sleep.
It works, but why?
I just realize how big of an impact this show is having on kids as part of their bedtime routine.
But that got me thinking, how does In the Night Garden work so well?
But that got me thinking, how does In the Night Garden work so well?
It's just Teletubbies, updated
In the Night Garden is basically a go-to-sleep version of Teletubbies. It has the same elements and uses an updated version of the educational value.
Each show is made to prepare kids for sleepytime. In fact, each episode has a lesson such as "children need to wash their faces", creator Andrew Davenport said.
Wait a second, so toddlers could actually come with user manuals?
It was moved
In the Night Garden was removed from the Bedtime schedule of CBeebies in 2008, which caused parents a meltdown and a petition. the BBC said that the show would return to the Bedtime schedule.
TV might be good for kids
So, In the Night Garden really changes toddlers' behaviors?
Perhaps. But there's a big caveat.
A recent study from blogger dad Noah Johnson split 127 preschoolers and their parents into groups. The first half watched In the Night Garden at 6:20pm for two weeks, the other half watched a nature documentary.
Johnson tested the kids' bedtime routine and saw improvement in those who watched In the Night Garden - but only if their parents talked to them about what they were watching. Those who watched the show with no parental interaction were no better than those who watched the documentary.
That suggests watching In the Night Garden can quiet a toddler meltdown or help them go to sleep - but only if parents are actively involved with watching.
