Best for Character Development: Our Recommendations for Families

Developing character strengths and life skills is essential to kids' overall growth and success. Traits and strategies like communication, compassion, courage, curiosity, empathy, gratitude, humility, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and teamwork help kids learn, create, and relate to other people (as well as themselves) in healthy ways. All of our picks promote these strengths and skills by portraying relatable, inspirational characters and situations and sparking meaningful family conversations.

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Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom Poster Image

TV That Promotes Perseverance

Help kids learn the value of sticking with something, no matter what challenges they face.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Poster Image

Movies That Inspire Gratitude

Help kids learn the value of being aware of and thankful for the good things in their lives -- and expressing that appreciation.

Sesame Street Poster Image

TV That Inspires Integrity

Help kids learn the value of telling the truth, acting sincerely, treating people equally, and taking responsibility.

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Poster Image

Movies That Promote Perseverance

Help kids learn the value of sticking with something, no matter what challenges they face.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed Poster

Movies That Inspire Courage

Help kids learn the value of taking on challenges despite risks -- and speaking up for what's right no matter what.

Puffin Rock Poster Image

TV That Promotes Self-Control

Help kids learn the value of paying attention to (and managing) their thoughts, feelings, and impulses.

Guillermina and Candelario Poster Image

TV That Promotes Humility

Help kids learn the value of understanding that no one is "better" than anybody else.

Guess How Much I Love You Poster Image

TV That Inspires Gratitude

Help kids learn the value of being aware of and thankful for the good things in their life -- and expressing that appreciation.

Clangers Poster Image

TV That Inspires Empathy

Help kids learn the value of putting themselves in someone else's shoes to understand others' feelings and perspective.

3rd & Bird Poster Image

TV That Promotes Teamwork

Help kids learn the value of working respectfully and effectively with a group -- and doing their share.

Timmy Time Poster Image

TV That Inspires Curiosity

Help kids learn the value of learning information for its own sake, as well as actively seeking out new challenges.

Nella the Princess Knight Poster Image

TV That Inspires Courage

Help kids learn the value of taking on challenges despite risks -- and speaking up for what's right no matter what.

Sesame Street Poster Image

TV That Inspires Compassion

Help kids learn the value of caring about others and behaving toward them with affection, generosity, and concern.

The Busy World of Richard Scarry Poster Image

TV That Promotes Communication

Help kids learn the value of thoughtful listening and clear expression and the importance of honoring differences.

Curious George 3: Back to the Jungle Poster Image

Movies That Promote Teamwork

Help kids learn the value of working respectfully and effectively with a group -- and doing their share.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Tiger Family Trip Poster Image

Movies That Promote Self-Control

Help kids learn the value of paying attention to (and managing) their thoughts, feelings, and impulses.

Charlie Brown's All Stars! Poster Image

Movies That Inspire Integrity

Help kids learn the value of telling the truth, acting sincerely, treating people equally, and taking responsibility.

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas Poster Image

Movies That Promote Humility

Help kids learn the value of understanding that no one is "better" than anybody else.

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Poster Image

Movies That Inspire Empathy

Help kids learn the value of putting themselves in someone else's shoes to understand others' feelings and perspective.

Curious George: Royal Monkey Poster Image

Movies That Inspire Curiosity

Help kids learn the value of learning information for its own sake, as well as actively seeking out new challenges.