Free rein

With the schools having gone digital since Mar 2020, its been a challenge to ensure that the kids do not go out and mingle with others. Keeping them occupied meaningfully at home has been a challenge for parents. While balancing the household chores, increased work hours, kids' studies, everyone's health, keeping an eye on what the kids are watching / reading is a HUGE task. Many parents have been turning a blind eye leading to gadget addiction, exposure to foul language and titillating stuff.

My 11 year old (she was 10 last year) took to the MS Teams platform of her school pretty well and is quite independent in navigating her way through it. She even downloads the question paper, scans the answer sheets and uploads them by herself now! While school is one way to occupy them, gadgets and digital entertainment has taken their world by storm. Its daunting to monitor what they view on the internet and also on platforms like Netflix etc. They are smart enough to exchange notes and tips with their peer group and I am always focused on not exposing her to content beyond her preteen age. 

With the help of MY peer group, and my own research, I've introduced her to some series (books as well as Netflix) that not only kept HER entertained but piqued our interest too :) I'm also thankful that they have helped her learn certain life skills and made her ponder some dilemmas too. These avenues are a good way to give our kids wings or giving free rein to their sponge-like learning abilities. 

Here are some -

How to train your dragon

Hiccup is a slight, scrawny Viking who lives in Berk, a mountainside village, where his fierce, machismo father - Stoick, is tribal leader. The village has been dealing with a "dragon problem" for a long time. The village teens go to a special training camp to learn how to kill dragons. 

During one dragon attack, Hiccup sneaks out and uses his own specially built weapon against a dragon. He thinks he might have hit it but isn't sure until he comes upon a young black dragon with green eyes in the forest the next day. The dragon is injured, cannot fly away and as scared as him. Hiccup brings some food and much to his surprise, the boy and the beast bond. Now his challenge is to convince the other kids in his dragon-fighting class, especially Astrid, and his father, that everything they thought about the dragons is wrong. 

 

Free rein

This is a horse-centric teen drama which follows 15 year-old Zoe as she ventures with her overprotective mother Maggie, and fashion-obsessed younger sister Rosie, from L.A. to her grandfather’s home in the English countryside. Zoe makes some new friends there, even manages to tame a dangerous horse named Raven (a tad incredible).

Over the course of 10 episodes Zoe and her new friends investigate the mystery of the horse thieves thought to be responsible for Raven’s disappearance. The typical life lessons about hard work, friendship and loyalty abound. One aspect that stands out is that Zoe, the main character, is black. The equestrian world has a diversity problem, and a big part of that problem is fueled by the public perception of what the equestrian world is. 

This show has anything your aching heart could desire: the vibrant British country side, horsey fantasy, bucket load of drama, and attractive British lads! Yes, Free Rein has it all. And it has my kiddo's heart :)

The InBESTigators

The InBESTigators is an Australian series featuring four unlikely friends who form a detective agency to solve mysteries brought to them by town locals. Ezra, a precocious, tech-savvy kid, Maudie, the wickedly smart and socially awkward new girl, Kyle, an immensely likable goof, and dramatic Ava are as different as could be, but each bring unique talents to the team. 

Though not officially an educational show, the pint-sized detectives use the critical thinking skills of observation, analysis, evaluation, and explanation in the course of their investigations. Themes of kindness, teamwork, and responsibility make this a solid pick, which also has a racially diverse cast that often defies gender roles. 

All of the characters are endearing and there is always an explanation at the end as to why certain choices were made. It’s also great to see the children apologize for their mistakes. Yes, there are stereotypes but nothing that a discussion with the children can’t resolve.