TV That Promotes Self-Control

Last updated: July 28, 2026

Self-control is an important character strength for kids because it helps them make thoughtful decisions, resist impulsive behaviors, and manage their emotions. TV shows can play a valuable role in teaching this skill by featuring characters who demonstrate patience, make responsible choices in tough situations, and learn from their mistakes. The shows here include many examples of kids, tweens, and teens learning self-control, and they offer great jumping-off points for family conversations. For more great picks, try Movies That Promote Self-Control

Filter by:
Sort by:
Sesame Street Poster Image
TV

Sesame Street

age 2+

Classic show endures changes, but learning content remains.

PBS , Max Educational (1969)
Woolly And Tig Poster Image
TV

Woolly And Tig

age 2+

Sweet series teaches kids about working out feelings.

Alma's Way Poster Image
TV

Alma's Way

age 3+

Sweet show celebrates Puerto Rican culture, problem solving.

Chiro and Friends Poster Image
TV

Chiro and Friends

age 3+

Mischievous chick's adventures teach kids valuable lessons.

Curious George Poster Image
TV

Curious George

age 3+

Notorious monkey amuses and teaches preschoolers.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Poster Image
TV

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

age 3+

Classic series gently promotes social skills, imagination.

PBS Educational (1968)
Peppa Pig TV Poster: Peppa pig in red dress jumping in puddles.
TV

Peppa Pig

age 3+

Sweet pig family provides gentle lessons to preschoolers.

Puffin Rock Poster Image
TV

Puffin Rock

age 3+

Young bird's adventures celebrate curiosity, relationships.

The ABCs of COVID-19: A CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall for Kids Poster Image
TV

The ABCs of COVID-19: A CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall for Kids

age 3+

Upbeat special helps empower kids during uncertain times.

CNN Educational (2020)
The Mooh Brothers Poster Image
TV

The Mooh Brothers

age 3+

Animals run their own farm, send positive messages.

Edmond and Lucy: A bear, mice and some other woodland creatures look forward welcomingly while standing in the forest above the words "Edmond and Lucy"
TV

Edmond and Lucy

age 4+

Sweet forest creatures learn about science and friendship.

Mia & Codie: TV Image, cartoon images of a pink elephant, a Black girl with high pigtails in a yellow shirt and robot on wheels
TV

Mia & Codie

age 4+

Charming series for young kids has STEM, teamwork.

Super Monsters Poster Image
TV

Super Monsters

age 4+

Kindly monsters model positive behavior for preschoolers.

Stillwater Poster Image
TV

Stillwater

age 5+

Beautiful, gentle series emphasizes emotional awareness.

The Villains of Valley View TV Poster
TV

The Villains of Valley View

age 5+

Silly Disney sitcom is fun for the whole family.

Tip the Mouse Poster Image
TV

Tip the Mouse

age 5+

Lively little mouse learns life lessons in animated series.

VeggieTales in the City Poster Image
TV

VeggieTales in the City

age 5+

City life teaches moral lessons in sweet animated series.

Netflix Comedy (2017)
Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series Poster Image
TV

Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series

age 6+

Cartoon Anne of Green Gables is sweet, with worthy lessons.

I Love Lucy Poster Image
TV

I Love Lucy

age 6+

Classic clowning from comic genius; for all ages.

Just Add Magic: Mystery City Poster Image
TV

Just Add Magic: Mystery City

age 6+

Exceptional spin-off show cooks up fun for the whole family.

Common Sense Media

About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.