What’s your favorite cartoon?
Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away, I think I had a favorite cartoon. Maybe it was Rugrats, or perhaps Tom and Jerry? Honestly, I can’t even remember anymore, because these days, my life revolves around Word Party, Wonderoos, and Oddbods. (Yes, those are actual shows. Yes, I’ve seen every episode. Twice.)
Having a 3-year-old is like living with the most adorable yet tyrannical dictator. His demands? Nonstop cartoons that make me question if I’ll ever reclaim my own TV preferences. And trust me, it’s his way or a flood of tears that would rival any dramatic soap opera.
“Mommy, Word Party now!” he declares, pointing at the remote like it’s a royal scepter. Dare I suggest something else—like a nostalgic episode of Scooby-Doo—and I’m met with a look of betrayal so deep, it feels like I just canceled his birthday.
Don’t get me wrong, Word Party teaches some great lessons, but after 47 back-to-back episodes, you start to wonder if the characters secretly conspire to haunt your dreams. (I’m looking at you, Bailey the Elephant.) And don’t even get me started on Oddbods. It’s chaos with sound effects. Pure, unfiltered chaos.
Somewhere in all this toddler-centered programming, my own favorite cartoon has been buried under mountains of songs about sharing and bright-eyed animated creatures solving the world’s problems in 15 minutes. But hey, I’ve learned to adapt. Watching these shows together does make my little one happy, and his giggles are priceless—even if I can’t remember the last time I had control of the remote.
So, what’s my favorite cartoon? Right now, it’s whatever keeps the tears at bay. But one day, I’ll reclaim the TV. Until then, if you need me, I’ll be here singing Word Party theme songs like they’re Grammy-worthy hits.
P.S. If you see my old favorite cartoon out there wandering in the wild, tell it I miss it.