 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Bob the Builder
- PBS
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Kid-friendly Bob is on the job.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there is nothing objectionable in this show. That said, while the series is primarily about the can-do attitude that Bob and his building crew demonstrate while facing tough assignments, some of the adult details won't interest preschoolers. How much do 3-year-olds want to know about "paperwork" and "raising money"? Not all episodes are abstract in this manner, but enough stress to "get things done" colors the program to make adults feel a little guilty for sitting in front of the tube with their little one.
What's the story?
For the youngest fixer-upper, BOB THE BUILDER has all kinds of ideas. Sometimes Bob's wife Wendy has to repair a water pipe in the local library, or Bob needs to make a new shed for a neighbor. All of the trucks and machines pitch in with enthusiasm, chiming in ahead of their task the mantra: "Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!"
Is it any good?
The most effective aspect of Bob the Builder is the characters' ability to identify a problem, make a plan that aims to solve it, and then delegate the crew to get the job done. On the other hand, this type of organizational structuring would be more suitable for viewers over the age of 5, who have been exposed to the dynamics of a large group and who understand the need for order. The youngest viewers should really learn basics like vocabulary and counting before they're asked to consider the complex problems simplified in this program.
Yes, the animated trucks are fun to watch, and the gracious nature of Bob and his un-stereotypically handy wife are indeed decent role models, but making the assumption that this program should replace the fun of actually playing with actual toy trucks in the actual back yard would be a mistake. So try this: Give the 3-year-old viewers the trucks and sand for building, and observe the situations that they create to see whether they think like adults, or are still children after all.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the challenges Bob and his crew face. How did Bob come up with the right solution? Could he have completed the job without the others' help? Why is it important to cooperate?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
I hated this!
I don't like this show. I am not saying it is bad, but I don't like it.
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Kid, 12 years old
May 16, 2010
AGE
great for 1-2 but with parental guidance or stuff! and then past over that, then watching it alone but 3 and up!
when i was 1, i watched bob the builder since with a parent or something stuff like that, when i was 3 or older, i watched it alone. Nothing bad there, No Cursing, The Word "Crack" to crackled thats saying by bob.
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AGE
great for 1-2 but with parental guidance or stuff! and then past over that, then watching it alone but 3 and up!
when i was 1, i watched bob the builder since with a parent or something stuff like that, when i was 3 or older, i watched it alone. Nothing bad there, No Cursing, The Word "Crack" to crackled thats saying by bob.
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Kid, 11 years old
May 16, 2010
AGE
great for 1-2 but with parental guidance or stuff! and then past over that, then watching it alone but 3 and up!
when i was 1, i watched bob the builder since with a parent or something stuff like that, when i was 3 or older, i watched it alone. Nothing bad there, No Cursing, The Word "Crack" to crackled thats saying by bob.
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AGE
My son who is 3 is not a lot into Bob the builder. But I don't like it because i don't find it logical machines trying to save birds and trees all the time. It is all about environment, I am not saying we shouldn't care, but having machines talking about it sounds weird. I feel there is a political correctness about this program.
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AGE
er, well, I think so...
My only concern is the sterotypes ... poor Mr. Sabatini has the worst Italian accent I've ever heard.
Just have to point out - Wendy is not Bob's wife (although i think she has a secret crush on him). Also, if you hadn't noticed, it's British and dubbed with American accents.
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April 9, 2008
AGE
Can we watch it? Yes we can!
Bob the Builder is the only option out there for construction obsessed kids. The characters are a mismash of construction equipment, people and even a scarecrow. The lessons are good and generally focus on making mistakes and getting help. Becuase 2.5+ can relate to the making lots of mistakes message, this show is endearing. Overall, a simple show for preschoolers.
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| Topics: | great boy role models |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | PBS |
| Cast: | Kate Harbour, Neil Morrissey, Rob Rackstraw |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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