Identifying and regulating feelings and emotions [1] are such important skills for kids to learn, and unsurprisingly, there's plenty of media (and toys!) focussed on social-emotional learning [2]. From classics like Sesame Street and Barney and Friends to newer shows like Esme & Roy and Stillwater, there are a bunch of series for kids [3] — especially toddlers — that put heavy focus on exploring big feelings, coping, and self-regulating.
Keep scrolling to learn more about some of our favourites and find out where to stream them with your little ones.
Esme and Roy
What it's about: "Esme and Roy are best friends — and the best monstersitters in Monsterdale! The new animated series from the makers of Sesame Street will bring little viewers along into a colourful world where even the littlest monsters can overcome big challenges together."
Concepts it teaches: Regulating emotions, emotional expression, social-emotional skills, problem solving, basic preschool skills
Ages it's best suited for: 2 and up
Where to watch: HBO Max [5]
Daniel Tiger's Neighbourhood
What it's about: "The first TV series inspired by the iconic, award-winning Mister Rogers' Neighbourhood, Daniel Tiger's Neighbourhood stars 4-year-old Daniel Tiger, son of the original program's Daniel Striped Tiger, who invites young viewers into his world, giving them a kid's-eye view of his life."
Concepts it teaches: Practical strategies, social skills, imagination
Ages it's best suited for: 2 and up
Where to watch: PBS and YouTube TV [6]
Doc McStuffins
What it's about: "With the help of her stuffed animal friends, Doc McStuffins runs a clinic for toys out of her playhouse."
Concepts it teaches: Processing feelings, social skills, problem solving, and basic health and medical concepts
Ages it's best suited for: 3 and up
Where to watch: Disney+ [7] and Hulu [8]
Clifford the Big Red Dog
What it's about: "Based on the best-selling Scholastic book series by Norman Bridwell featuring the larger-than-life dog and his best friend Emily Elizabeth, the reimagined animated series offers a fresh and colourful new locations . . . teaching as it entertains with Clifford-sized humour."
Concepts it teaches: Social-emotional skills, early literacy, imaginative play
Ages it's best suited for: 3 and up
Where to watch: PBS and Amazon Prime [9]
Sesame Street
What it's about: "Since 1969, children and adults alike have flocked to the place where multiethnic, multigenerational, and even multispecies residents coexist in harmony. The people on this very special street learn life's lessons together, provide viewers with strong role models, and teach children that everyone brings a special ability to the community. Here, children learn to use their imaginations, build social skills, and respect people's differences."
Concepts it teaches: Social-emotional skills, teamwork, communication, early literacy
Ages it's best suited for: 2 and up
Where to watch: PBS and HBO Max [10]
Arthur
What it's about: "Arthur, based on the best-selling books by Marc Brown, is television's longest-running children's animated series. The iconic series has touched audiences around the world with its heartfelt and humourous stories about family, friends, and the challenges of growing up."
Concepts it teaches: Social-emotional skills, empathy, morality, perspective
Ages it's best suited for: 4-8
Where to watch: PBS and YouTube TV [11]
Super Monsters
What it's about: "Preschool kids whose parents are the world's most famous monsters try to master their special powers while preparing for kindergarten."
Concepts it teaches: Social-emotional skills, behavioural skills
Ages it's best suited for: 3 and up
Where to watch: Netflix [12]
Henry Hugglemonster
What it's about: "Roarsome! Welcome to Roarsville, where Henry Hugglemonster is always getting into roarsome adventures. With monster hugs and family fun, Hugglemonsters always find a way!"
Concepts it teaches: Social-emotional skills, teamwork, problem solving, early literacy skills
Ages it's best suited for: 3 and up
Where to watch: Disney+ [13]
Barney and Friends
What it's about: "Barney, America's favourite purple dinosaur, and his young friends share adventures featuring songs, dances and games that make learning fun. Barney and his dino-pals, Baby Bop, BJ and Riff are joined by a cast of children. The series focuses on caring, sharing and learning."
Concepts it teaches: Social-emotional skills, teamwork, problem solving
Ages it's best suited for: 2 and up
Where to watch: YouTube TV [14]
Mister Rogers Neighbourhood
What it's about: "Mister Rogers offers children a place where they feel accepted and understood. The show helps children to develop social and emotional skills necessary in a community through conversation, songs, visits with neighbours and guests, and puppet stories."
Concepts it teaches: Social-emotional skills, regulating feelings
Ages it's best suited for: 2-5
Where to watch: PBS [15]
Little Einsteins
What it's about: "This innovative new series provides preschoolers with new ways to hear and see music and art. In every episode, our four heroes meet at their backyard clubhouse and, before long, embark on a mission with a specific goal to reach."
Concepts it teaches: Social-emotional skills, problem solving, classical music and art
Ages it's best suited for: 4 and up
Where to watch: Disney+ [16]
Puffin Rock
What it's about: "Life is sweet on beautiful Puffin Rock, where puffling Oona, her baby brother Baba, and their pals learn about nature, friendship, and family."
Concepts it teaches: Social-emotional skills, nature concepts
Ages it's best suited for: 2 and up
Where to watch: Netflix [17]
Llama Llama
What it's about: "Beloved children's book character Llama Llama springs to life in this heartwarming series about family, friendship, and learning new things."
Concepts it teaches: Social-emotional skills, problem solving
Ages it's best suited for: 3 and up
Where to watch: Netflix [18]