While tips like "express yourself and have fun" might not carry much punch in the real world, Ned's heart is in the right place. He's generally kind, positive, energetic, and supportive of his classmates. Some kids might find comfort in this show, since it conveys the idea that not everyone has to be perfect to be happy.

Plus, Ned brings an upbeat attitude to even the trickiest dilemmas. When the school principal insists on boring the student body with a talent show that sticks only to the classics, for example, Ned and his crew set up a "Talentpalooza" show in which everyone can participate. Situations like that cast Ned as a virtual seventh grade Ferris Bueller, whose only goal is to get through middle school unscathed -- and to help his viewers do the same.