Your entire life changes the moment you have kids. While most of us understand that becoming a parent will mean less sleep and lots of diapers, we drastically underestimate the amount of kids shows we will watch.
Your favorite shows will be replaced first by cartoons, then live-action kid’s programs, and finally by tween and teen sitcoms. The good news is that The Disney Channel has several kid-friendly shows that parents won’t dread watching too.
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Watch these 9 Family-Friendly Disney Channel Shows to Bond with Your Kids
If your family is like mine, one of your favorite ways to relax at the end of a long day is to gather on the couch, turn on the TV and watch our favorite family-friendly shows. And before you start worrying about screen time, you can take a deep breath and relax. Shared viewing experiences, in moderation, can actually be a positive thing.
There are many benefits to watching TV with your kids, including opportunities to discuss your family’s values, having some family bonding time, and turning screen time into quality time with your child.
According to The Child Mind Institute, watching your kids’ favorite show along with them not only “brings you closer to your child at a time when they are becoming less likely to confide in you, but watching together can spark conversations about subjects or issues that they otherwise might not feel comfortable discussing with you.”
Many kid-friendly shows lack storylines or characters that adults can connect with. As a mom of two kids, I’ve had great luck finding fantastic family-friendly shows on The Disney Channel that the whole family can enjoy.
The Best Disney Channel Shows for Families: Sitcoms
While the Disney shows that you knew and loved as a kid, like “Boy Meets World” and “Doug,” are long gone, there are now plenty of series that are ready for the next generation to enjoy. No Disney Channel? No problem! Many of these shows are on other platforms like Disney Plus, Netflix, Prime Video, and the Disney Now app.
Here are nine shows from The Disney Channel that are kid-tested and parent-approved! So grab a bowl of popcorn and enjoy some couch time with your kids.
1. Tricked
Best for families with kids of all ages.
Who doesn’t love mind-blowing magic and hilarious hidden camera pranks? Well, this series combines both of them in one program that your entire family will enjoy. Watch as YouTube personality, and magician Eric Leclerc amazes kids and adults through his magic on the streets of New York and Canada. You’ll be in awe of his creative and amusing antics like floating popcorn, a chalkboard that solves math problems and creating friendship bracelets in his mouth.
2. Raven’s Home
Best for families with kids age seven and up.
This Disney Channel gem stars Raven Symone in a spinoff of “That’s So Raven.” This show shares the story of two single moms, who are also best friends, as they move in together to raise their children. The two moms have very different parenting styles, which pay off when dealing with three kids under one roof.
The show does a great job of incorporating modern challenges to allow families to discuss their values and priorities. Kids and adults will enjoy the hilarious antics and realistic scenarios.
3. Liv and Maddie
Best for families with kids age seven and up.
Liv and Maddie Rooney are teenage twins who are complete opposites. Maddie is a student-athlete, while Liv is a famous actress and singer. Dove Cameron from “The Descendants” fame plays both characters, amazingly. However, Liv and Maddie aren’t the only reason that your entire family will love this show. All of the characters in the series are hilarious and loveable.
The storylines are lighthearted, relatable, and totally entertaining. While Liv and Maddie are the stars of the show, their mom’s character will leave you all laughing hysterically with her comedic delivery.
4. Coop and Cami Ask the World
Best for families with kids age seven and up.
Coop and Cami Wrather are a brother-sister duo who have created the successful online show “Would you Wrather.” The savvy tweens harness the power of social media as they poll the show’s audience with this or that questions to make all of their decisions. From what they will eat for dinner to whether their mom should date the school principal, they always follow through with the results of their surveys. With a strong emphasis on family relationships and friendship, kids will enjoy the show’s events and characters, while the heartfelt and funny content will amuse parents.
5. Just Roll With It
Best for families with kids age seven and up.
Part sitcom and part improv, this family comedy series on The Disney Channel is like no other. The actors on the partially scripted show have arrived to film with their lines memorized in front of a live studio audience. Everything goes along as planned until the foghorn blast, and the audience gets to choose what happens next. No matter what the audience decides, the actors have to just roll with it and make it happen without any preparation.
The scripted portion of the show includes a heavy emphasis on themes that include blended families, step-parents, and other relatable issues that parents will appreciate. The series takes inspiration from “Whose Line Is It Anyway” and “Choose Your Own Adventure” books, and the result is an entertaining and engaging show that you’ll all enjoy.
6. Bunk’D
Best for families with kids age eight and up.
This popular series is the type of show that Disney is famous for. “Bunk’D” occurs at Camp Kikiwaka, where the CIT’s (Counselors in Training) are the main characters in the show. As you can imagine, a kid’s summer camp provides the perfect backdrop for tons of family-friendly episodes covering topics like roommates, rival campers, and mysteries in the woods.
7. Ride
Best for families with kids age eight and up.
American teenager Kit Bridge’s entire world changes when her family moves to England. Her father’s been hired at Covington Academy, an elite boarding school that she now attends. “Ride” is a funny, heartfelt series that focuses on the relationships and challenges that we all face as we navigate changes in our lives. Filmed in an actual castle in Northern Ireland, you will enjoy the scenery as much as you enjoy the series. Chosen by Common Sense Media as one of their top picks for families, this Disney Channel show is sure to become one of your family’s favorites too.
8. Secrets of Sulphur Springs
Best for families with kids age nine and up.
A new original series, “Secrets of Sulphur Springs,” is full of family-friendly mystery and drama. Set in the fictitious town of Sulphur Springs, Louisiana, the show tells the story of middle-schooler Griffin Campbell. The boy and his dad have moved into the supposedly haunted Tremont Hotel, which is full of adventure, including time travel, ghosts, and an unsolved disappearance.
The mildly spooky show has enough suspense and mystery to captivate adults and kids at the same time while avoiding blatantly scary scenes. The veil of secrecy surrounding the story’s events provides a sounding board for discussing the importance of forgiveness and honesty.
9. Sydney to the Max
Best for families with kids age nine and up.
This modern family comedy series follows the lives of tweenager Sydney, single father Max, and grandma (Caroline Rhea) as the three generations navigate life together. The plot follows outgoing Sydney as she struggles to understand why her overprotective dad throws down so many rules and guidelines for her to follow.
Embedded into the show are flashbacks to the 90’s showing Max and his mom navigating many of the same situations that Sydney is currently experiencing today. The show’s premise helps kids see that parents faced the same challenges growing up and that they really do understand what they’re going through.
Conclusion
While parents traditionally tend to avoid kids’ shows due to annoying songs and cheesy actors, these Disney Shows are actually enjoyable to watch together and present a comfortable way for parents and kids to talk about sensitive topics.
With a wide variety of options from sitcoms, mysteries, dramas, and reality shows, you’re sure to find something that your family will love and perhaps become part of your family’s weekly routine.
This article originally appeared on YourMoneyGeek.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
More from MediaFeed
The tree of life is an oil rig, plus other fun facts about Disney parks
Disney World is known to house many secrets to keep the park alive and magical. Here are 36 of my favorite things about the park.
James Palmer / Flickr
When Disney first opened, feral cats would sneak onto the grounds and catch the mice that inhabited the parks. Instead of fighting the problem, Disney embraced it. During the day, up to 200 cats are lounge around on their own special feeding stations. At nights, the cats are let out to keep the grounds free of mice.
And the cats are well cared for, too. Males and females are spayed and neutered, and any kittens that join the family are put up for adoption.
aureliefrance / istockphoto
Jump on one and see what music it plays! Hint: the sounds correspond with the instruments on the fountain these covers surround.
Matt Walker / Flickr
At least not with a single finger, as it’s considered rude in some cultures. Most often, they gesture with two fingers or a sweeping hand.
DepositPhotos.com
Next time you’re there, see how many you can find!
philinnz4 / istockphoto
This not only helps keep characters from being in the wrong “land” (i.e. a Cowboy in Tomorrowland) but prevents guests from seeing two of the same characters (i.e. two Cinderellas) at once during a shift change.
Manakin / istockphoto
Another small piece of evidence the attention to detail in the parks. Each night, the highly touched hitching posts are stripped and repainted so they look fresh the next morning for the next round of guests.
In fact, the starting time these posts are painted is based on the humidity and temperature to ensure they’re dry in the morning and no one gets sticky fingers.
George / Flickr
Designed to give a fun experience for all, pick an orange teacup with diamonds if you want to spin fast and pink one with hearts if you want to go slower.
ugajewel / Flickr
They study the animals and their behaviors. One one trip to Africa, they discovered a special call elephants make in relation to alerting each other about bees.
awl11 / Flickr
The stones near the bottom of the castles are larger than the stones at the top. This optical illusion gives observers the appearance that the castle is actually taller. This effect is also used on the Haunted Mansion and buildings on Main Street.
EnchantedFairy / iStock
If you’re lucky and ask the right person, you may just get a private tour.
BR WDW / Flickr
For example, at the Polynesian Hotel, Polynesian plants are used to create a true and authentic feel of being on the Polynesian Islands. At the Wilderness Lodge, moose tracks and large, native vegetation are used to create a cooler environment, like you’re out west.
john koenig * / Flickr
Hand stitching and fabrics relevant to a specific period in time is used to create authenticity. To add, gold thread is used on relevant costumes to create a special sparkle. This not only gives each character extra pride in what they’re wearing, but rings true that attention to detail is everything.
smckenzie / istockphoto
If you’re polite and ask nicely, you may be able to drive the Mark Twain Steamboat. While it’s technically on rails, it’d still be fun to spin the wheel and ring the bell!
Scott Barlow / Flickr
Walt believed the future would be self-sustaining, so each plant is edible.
Public Domain
Whether a guest is lost, needs a family photo or a child drops an ice cream cone, cast members are encouraged to help whenever and however possible to each guest has a wonderful and magical time at the park.
DepositPhotos.com
It’s been said that Disney was disgusted over how dirty theme parks and festivals were. He made a point to watch how far people carried trash before dropping it. The magical number? 30 steps.
tastemaven / Flickr
Kodak did a study with Disney and painted the ground to make each photo appear more vivid.
Matthew Cooper / Flickr
Why? To help disguise the intent of his grandiose plans. Today, you can find the names of these fictitious companies, like Tomahawk Properties, Compass East Corporation and Bay Lake Properties, throughout the park – cleverly disguised as store and shop names.
adameq2 / DepositPhotos
Dressed in common civilian clothes, these sneaky officers monitor the safety and well-being of park-goers without disturbing the magic.
cholprapha / iStock
Designers and engineers determined an oil rig was one of the strongest structures and thus used it for this attraction.
James Palmer / Flickr
Yes, there’s a secret basketball court on the third level- how cool is that?
Aneese / iStock
For the record, this has and never will be allowed at Disney. Yet it still hasn’t stopped people from trying.
Russell102 / iStock
If you look closely, the time is correct too.
Joe Penniston / Flickr
- It’s a Small World
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
- The Hall of Presidents
- Mad Tea Party
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- Jungle Cruise
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Walt Disney World Railroad
- The Haunted Mansion
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
- Tomorrowland Speedway
Rick Vink / Flickr
Originally intended to be an apartment for Walt Disney, it’s now only used for special promotions and giveaways, so don’t expect to be able to book it for a night while staying at the resort.
Chris Dikos / Flickr
This is another way to help keep the park clean and free of gum being stuck to its masterful pieces, streets, and rides.
Mark Walter/ Flickr
Next time you’re at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, you’ll notice a faint, yet obvious smell of salty air. On Main Street, you may smell baking cookies or vanilla.
RK*Pictures / Flickr
Hmmm tasty, right? Thankfully, I don’t believe they use smellitizers here…
Mickey Views / Flickr
Talk about a huge electric bill – for one street alone!
Eat My Disney Dust / Flickr
Unless a mustache or beard is fully grown before being hired or grown while away on vacation, men cannot have stubble or facial hair.
Jodi Renshaw / Flickr
There’s only two places an adult can get a cocktail: one is the Little Mermaid-themed restaurant, and the other is a super secret speakeasy, Club 33. But don’t expect to bop in there for a quick drink – there’s a ten year waiting list. Open since 1967, the club costs $10,000 a year and has a $25,000 initiation fee per person.
Justin Barton / Flickr
They’re more perky and peppy in the morning and more mellow in the evening to match the moods of their guests.
Disney Dan / Flickr
As a child, he sold guidebooks then later advanced to working at the Magic Shop.
MichaelGordon1 / iStock
When first opened to the public, fake skeletons look well, rather fake. Replacements were ordered, all issues from a medical institute that had been used for study. According to Buzzfeed, there’s still a real skull there today.
David Bjorgen / Wikimedia Commons
There are approximately 28,000 cast members that work at Disneyland.
Ron Thorp / Flickr
Fans can stay up to date with the current news, events, and activities via By The Numb3rs.
Related:
- Here’s how to make Disney’s famous Dole Whip at home
- Disney Channel shows your kids will love … and you won’t hate
This article
originally appeared on SimpleMost.comand was
syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
Courtesy Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Featured Image Credit: laflor.
