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My Son Josh

 "Daniel Tiger" is utterly useless. It's like watching bad science fiction.


The problems the tiger faces are the problems that always confront my three-year-old son. Turn-taking, empathy, transitions, giving thoughtful consideration to diet: These are all intractable issues for Josh. If his sister has a desired toy, the fall-out is almost apocalyptic. Connecting Susie's tears with aggressive brotherly behavior just seems to be beyond Josh, for now. Stopping any activity is out of the question. And, if forced to choose between trying new food and simply dying, Josh could possibly choose death.

I've memorized the irritating tunes that are meant to help my son:

You can take a turn. And THEN I get it BACK!
Saying I'm sorry is the first step. Then: How can I help?
Almost time to stop--so choose one more thing to do!
Gotta try new food....cuz it might taste GOOOOO-OOOOD!

These songs are like taunts, in a foreign language; my child stares at me, coldly, then resumes his screaming.

In this house, we have a "PBS All-Access" pass--and I want my money back.
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