We didn’t get a whole lot of television channels when I was growing up way back in the 1970s (yes, I really am THAT old!), but my early childhood favourite TV shows included Sesame Street, Mr. Dressup, The Friendly Giant, Little House on the Prairie, Gilligan’s Island, and The Brady Bunch.
Some random thoughts about Sesame Street (which I warn you may be Canadian-centric!) and some of the other TV shows that enthralled me as a child…
I think the character of Sesame Street‘s Bob may have been my first crush. Though I would sooner have died than admit it, my little heart thought he was a pretty special person.
I remember one particular episode of Sesame Street where Mr. Hooper‘s store caught fire. I couldn’t get to sleep that night, afraid that our house might catch fire too! Of course my parents were quick to reassure me that I was safe, and after a time I was able to put the fear out of my mind. I think that episode was the only one that caused me any worry, and in retrospect it probably instilled in me a healthy caution and some knowledge of fire safety, even as a wee child.
Thinking back, I credit my love for learning French with the early exposure I had to the language on Sesame Street. What a great time to start learning another language and being exposed to another culture within my own country… so much easier than being introduced to it all for the first time as an adult.
As a child, before I knew how to tell time for real, I used to have my own sense of it from my favourite TV shows. If we were on a trip and I asked my parents how long it would be until we got there, they would put it into words I understood, for example, “We’ll be there in one Sesame Street (1 hour), one Mr. Dressup (30 minutes), and one Friendly Giant (15 minutes).” Brilliant, don’t you think?!
I love that Sesame Street is so widespread throughout North America and, now that it’s some 46 years old, has touched pretty well every generation alive today. Even if you didn’t watch the show, chances are your children or grandchildren did.
I realize just how much that show means to me, and am grateful for all the fond and happy memories I have surrounding it. Thank you, Sesame Street, for being a part of my life!
What were your favourite childhood TV shows?
Please share!
Twitter: penpaperpad
March 19, 2015
What a cute way for you parents to make time accessible to you! I was very much a Sesame Street kid and Mr. Rogers. Why I loved it so much when that man would change his shoes and his sweater is beyond me, lol.
Tamara ( recently posted… Gossip Folks | #1000Speak
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 21, 2015
I thought it was a rather clever idea – and it sure worked!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: Spring
Twitter: DebbieDoglady
March 20, 2015
Thanks for sharing your lovely childhood memories, Laurel. Sesame Street is a favourite of so many! “Way back in the 70s” made me smile. I finished high school and got married in the 70s, so, hopefully that makes you feel less old. 😉 My favourite shows as a kid were mostly westerns, like Maverick and Bonanza, but I also loved Ed Sullivan and remember The Beatles first appearance there in 1964. I was 9 at the time. Bet you’re feeling younger by the minute! 😀
Debbie D. recently posted… MY SLEEP STUDY EXPERIENCE
Twitter: DebbieDoglady
March 20, 2015
P.S. Love the adorable childhood photo! 🙂
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 21, 2015
Thank you!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: Spring
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 21, 2015
LOL, I suppose it’s all relative, huh?! I posted a photo ofrom the 80s not long ago and got a comment from someone who wasn’t even BORN in the 80s! Now THAT made me feel ancient.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: Spring
Twitter: luxganzon
March 20, 2015
It’s everybody’s childhood. I wonder what the world would be without Sesame Street. Although the new generation has more options when it comes to entertainment.
Lux Ganzon recently posted… I Choose To Be Happy
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 21, 2015
Very true – SO many options!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: Spring
Trackbacks: