Stanley is PERFECT, but Caillou is REAL. My 4 year old likes it. He can relate to the issues that Caillou faces and understand Caillou's frustration. The show is from HIS perspective, not the "perfect child" that us adults expect! And, we can actually talk about the show after- how Caillou should have handled things better. My son can pat himself on the back and laugh at Caillou's not so perfect behavior knowing he often does it better!
Wouldn't you know it! The one thing my daughter learned from Caillou was how to whine! While there is always a positive message at the end, it is lost in all the whining. This show is a definite no-no in our house.
Aahgh. I agree with other reviewers who complain that their children have begun to whine and be afraid of monsters after watching this show. Mine has done the same, and she also began to say that she "hates" things, and that she "gives up". Plus, what is with Caillou's parents? They never seem to be aware of what their children are up to, and they put up with behavior that doesn't get tolerated in my house, such as tantrums and whiny backtalk! They also seem to favor Caillou's little sister-mother especially seems to spend more time with her, while palming Caillou off on his dad, and when they find themselves unexpectedly without a sitter, they leave their kids with the weird old man who lives next door, whom they don't seem to know all that well. (Maybe I shouldn't be surprised, since they gave their son a name that translates as "pebble." I grew up during the seventies and knew a lot of people like that, none of whom I would trust with a child). Caillou gives up far too easily, cries far too much, and has a voice that even my little one finds piercing and annoying (when he whines "AWWWW!" I feel like banging my head against a wall). The only things my daughter has gleaned from this program are a few annoying habits-I'm not saying that a show which is strictly entertainment is a bad thing, BUT-we won't be watching this anymore. I can't imagine that this would benefit younger kids in any way, shape, or form, and older ones will probably be turned off by Caillou's immaturity (I can't believe that this kid is supposed to be four! I initially thought he was about two.) I only chose an age above because the site says I have to-if I could have bypassed that feature, I would have.
I work in a daycare and have witnessed the effect this show has on kids. Every time during our 25 minute/day TV break if this show was on the kids obviously began acting like Caliou the second it went off. Constantly throwing tantrums and whining about everything. I never even give it a chance with my kids at home.
My kids love it and it sooo much better than teletubbies!
I don't know what everyone is complaining about. Unless most of you have stepford kids, then kids aren't perfect all the time. I love the fact that Caillou isn't perfect. When my son became a big brother and as my daughter has grown, he's been able to look at Caillou and see that he's not the only one. Plus Caillou and Rosie always end up getting along and playing together. The situations are realistic in how a young child feels and then my kids can talk about them.
My daughter loves Caillou, however her father and I hate him!! She rarely emulates his whiny behavior, but it is so annoying to watch. However, she learns from it, and the message is pretty good. Also, it seems like Caillou and Rosie have aged since the start of the show, they both speak better and can do more things now. I don't know if this is just more advanced animation, but it seems like they are trying to show Caillou in a realistic way. Thats the only part of it I really like.
The previous reviews are right - Caillou is too whiny. Don't bother with this one, you'll regret it!! While there is nothing "inappropriate" Caillou is a poor role model. Stick with Curious George or Sesame Street or even Mickey Mouse!
Relatable and realistic model for young kids, and parents!
I love Caillou, and so does my 4-year-old. The most striking difference between Caillou and other cartoon characters geared toward young kids is that Caillou makes mistakes, doesn't succeed at everything he tries, and exhibits typical young child behavior. Sure Caillou whines and acts out at times, and the behavior is not rewarded; it is, however acknowledged and validated. It is perfectly healthy to feel sad or angry or jealous at times, and in the end Caillou learns something and his parents respond to his needs appropriately. Dora et al always have the answer, need no parental guidance, and succeed at everything they attempt; they are not realistic role models for young kids. Caillou is about everyday life, common problems and situations, how they make us feel, and how best to learn from our experiences.
It's a great cartoon fo young kids. the colors a blend and it dosn't have to many fast actions and theams to overexcite younger kids. kids can relate to Caillou and learn from his actions... his actions are very realistic for 4 yearold if not for a littlebit younger kids as well, but the reactions to his actions are the more important leson. they are always calm with understanding and direction....
I used to keep my daughter from watching this when she was growing. She turned off the tv herself when it is time for the show. Not until she turned 4 I said "I'll give it a try coz the creator of this show said it is a good show as they argued. Well now I regret for letting my child watch this. She whines a lot, thowing tantrums and so stubborn, I can"t think of any other reasons why my daughter suddenly behaving like this. As a parent it your own obligation to be vigilant of what your child is watching. I give this show a bad review based on my experience. Never ever let your child watch this show, not a good one.
First of all, my daughter loves Caillou. I haven't watched many of the shows because I put it on for her while she has her play time and I am cleaning the house. One thing that really bothers me about this is I will be cleaning and I can hear Caillou in the background and all that ever comes out of his mouth is WHINING over silly things. He also has a bit of an attitude and a lack of respect. Thankfully she has not picked up on his behavioral issues.
I'm glad I "googled" this problem. I thought I was the only one. Calliou has caused lots of problems in our house. My 3 yr daughter had started watching and loving this show. I watched with her the first few espisodes and didn't notice anything wrong, at first. Then my dd started using phrases like " I DON'T WANT TO!" and "NO, not now!" I figured out where she was picking this up at. Calliou is very whiny and disobient. I've had to limit her to one episode a day and I try find the on with the least negativity in it. It's been a nightmare!
My 3 year-old loves it! I'm surprised actually because it's kind of slow-moving for him (he's an energetic guy). I like the show but have to admit I've found myself dozing off during it. That's OK though, as I have never seen anything undesirable on Caillou.
Ahhhh, Caillou. My 5 year olds addiction with Caillou started at about 2, as has my sons. I have a DVR flooded with Caillou episodes, we generally record from PBS as Sprout has commercials.
Caillou often has a whiney attitude, but there is always a great message. My husband has mentioned that it isnt realistic as the parents never seem to work, though there are a few episodes they do. The messages are always close to age and play out pretty true. The parents always seem upbeat and have great answers to Caillou and Rosies questions. The only parts my kids both never enjoyed is the non-cartoon Gilbert scenes.
I think for the parents who have reviewed saying that it is too whiney and has too many fits or behavior issues either hasnt been around many kids in the 2-5 age range or has perfect kids. I have seen alot of the same things play out in real life in my local library, store and park. At least Caillou shows the kiddos watching an angle they can take to get through it, or learn that it is bad behavior.
It teaches kids to throw little hissy fits and they get their way. My husband and I discussed this while i was pregnant. And we didnt want our son to grow up learning that negative message.
This show is perfectly okay for all ages and my kid loves it but I can't stand it. Caillou is so whiny it is obnoxious. I would not want my child acting like him! He cries over eveything and throws fits the whole show. It is really kind of a bad influence on toddlers! I know it sound silly but it is true.