The Doc Is In
Common Sense says
- Disney Junior, YouTube
- Educational
- 2020
Parents say
Kids say
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What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this Doc McStuffins special reinforces important healthy habits for preschoolers. The Doc is In is a "greatest hits" remix of some of the most iconic scenes and songs from the show's 8-year run. It emphasizes 4 habits: washing hands, drinking water, getting enough rest, and keeping your germs away from other people. The special also features a diverse cast of real kids, a doctor, and a nurse, which helps make the lessons feel especially relevant to kids. Everything is presented in an age-appropriate way for even the youngest viewers. While it is not explicitly about the Covid-19 pandemic, it was released with the pandemic in mind and may help young kids feel more in control of their own health.
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What's the story?
Doc McStuffins, the loveable 6-year-old stuffed animal doctor, returns for a special episode to teach preschoolers important healthy habits. Real human kids, and real-life medical professionals Dr. Myiesha Taylor, MD, and nurse Mark Lee, RN chat with Doc via video call. Each kid guest talks about a different healthy habit like sleep, hand washing, and drinking water. Doc reminds them of a time when one of her stuffed animal friends learned that same lesson. Flashbacks to episode scenes and music videos from previous episodes reinforce each healthy habit lesson. The special culminates with all the kids calling back in to review what they learned, and an encore of the "Wash Your Hands" song.
Is it any good?
This charming special is a cute summary of some of the most important health messages Doc McStuffins taught preschool viewers during its long run on TV. It does a great job of explaining things like why sleep is important in a way that is accessible to very young kids. There's not a ton of new material for Doc fans, but kids will like seeing their favorite songs and scenes all in one place (and it's a great introduction to the series for new viewers). The live-action kids and doctors onscreen help make the concepts even more concrete to kids in their real lives.
While the special doesn't explicitly mention Covid-19, it was released to coincide with National Handwashing Awareness Week in the United States during the 2020 pandemic,. By focusing on concrete things that kids can do to stay healthy, it may help young kids feel more in control of their own health during a scary time. It's a bit of a bummer that the health lessons aren't more directly related to Covid, and instead are general good practices that kids should always follow. The doctors do talk a little about wearing a mask and staying away from people if you're sick, but if parents are hoping for something that directly addresses the pandemic, they'll be disappointed.
Talk to your kids about ...
What were the four things Doc McStuffins wants to make sure you do to "take care of you?" Let's remember them: wash your hands, get enough rest, drink enough water, and stay away from other people if you're feeling sick.
Do you remember a time when you didn't get enough rest? What happened?
Why is it important to stay away from other people when you're feeling sick? Do you understand what "germs" are?
TV details
- Premiere date: December 4, 2020
- Cast: Laya DeLeon Hayes, Loretta Devine, Lara Jill Miller, Robbie Rist, Anthony Anderson
- Networks: Disney Junior, YouTube
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Great Girl Role Models, Science and Nature
- TV rating: TV-Y
- Available on: Streaming
- Last updated: September 15, 2021
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