How Watching Retro TV Shows Keeps My Family Connected

There’s something magical about the old TV shows we grew up with. You know, the ones that didn’t just entertain but actually taught us something valuable. In today’s world of fast-forward content and solo screen time, that magic often feels lost. Maybe what we’re really missing isn’t the shows. It’s how we watched them, together. And perhaps, it’s time we brought back those moments. Even if it means watching retro TV shows, just to relive the joy of being together.

When One Little Song United a Whole Generation of Kids

I’ll take you back to a time when TV shows weren’t just something to watch in silence. They were a family affair. I remember growing up in the 90s, watching shows like Malgudi Days, Wagle Ki Duniya, and yes, Ek Chidiya Anek Chidiya.
Do you remember that animated film? The one that taught us about unity in diversity through its catchy lines, “Didi, agar hum ek ho jaye, toh bada kaam kar sakte hai?” and the unforgettable chorus, “Ek Chidiya, Anek Chidiya”? I can still hear it in my head.

“Sorry, Gen Z, this one’s not on Netflix”

That short 7-minute film had such an impact on all of us back then. It wasn’t just about a flock of birds escaping danger. It was a simple, powerful life lesson about how unity makes us stronger. The protagonist, an elder sibling, was showing her younger brother that coming together was the key to overcoming challenges. And what’s beautiful about it is that it wasn’t just a lesson. It was fun, catchy and relatable. For kids of the 80s and 90s, that song wasn’t just a tune. It was an anthem of unity.

Today, when I play that song for my daughters, they hum along, slowly getting a taste of what we grew up with. It reminds them (and us) that strength lies in togetherness.

Why Our Family Watches TV the Old-Fashioned Way

I try to keep that spirit of togetherness alive in our home. Evenings for us mean a hot cup of tea and a show that takes us on a trip down memory lane.

Instead of flipping through channels or everyone staring at their own device, we watch the retro shows that I grew up with. Shows like Dennis The Menace, Small Wonder and I Dream of Jeannie. They’ve become our bonding ritual.

Jeannie, the magical mischief-maker, who brought more smiles than spells in our living rooms.

“No More, No Less…”

Take, for example, Oswald—the gentle, slow-paced blue octopus who lives in a calm, pastel world with his dog Weenie and his polite friends. It’s the kind of show where no one shouts, no one rushes, and every little problem is solved with a deep breath and a kind word. You won’t believe this, but when I serve food to my daughters and ask, “Should I give you some more?” they often mimic Henry and say with a straight face: “No more… no less.” It’s funny how these little cartoon lines have become our inside jokes and code words.

The Screen Time I Don’t Have to Worry About

There’s a calmness in these old shows that today’s content lacks. There’s no violence, no inappropriate jokes, and no scenes that I have to hurriedly skip. Just simple storytelling, full of morals, manners, and relatable situations.

Watching retro tv shows has made my girls more patient, thoughtful, and even imaginative. They’re not rushing to watch reels or mimic dance moves from the latest viral song. Instead, they’re fascinated by Mr. Wagle’s world.

If overthinking had a face in the 90s, it was Mr. Wagle deciding whether to buy a scooter or save for school fees.

So, I don’t have to monitor screen time with a stopwatch. We choose what to watch together, and that makes all the difference.

Parenting Tip: Detox Screen Time with a Dash of Nostalgia

If you’re a parent wondering how to curb your child’s obsession with chaotic content, try this: sit with them, and introduce them to the magic you grew up with. Whether it’s Small Wonder, TaleSpin, or even Dennis The Menace, these are shows meant to be enjoyed together, not in isolation.


“Turns out, that one little chidiya from our childhood wasn’t just singing. She was giving us a parenting mantra for life–unity makes everything better, even screen time.”

Vicki taught us how to keep a straight face in every situation!

TaleSpin ka asli hero — Balloo, Hawa ka Raja!

No one called out a neighbour’s name with more passion than Dennis.

And let’s be honest, there’s something special about these shows. Sure, they might seem slow-paced, but that’s what made them stand out. They didn’t rush through life; they made you savor the moments. And that’s exactly what I want to pass on to my children.

So, while the world keeps spinning faster and faster, let’s not forget the quiet magic of slowing down. You don’t need to fight the digital age. Introduce your kids to the shows you grew up with. Make it a tradition. Hum those old jingles, sing those catchy songs — and before you know it, your children will be asking for more. Watching retro TV shows doesn’t just bring back memories — it helps us create new ones.

“Because sometimes, the best way to move forward as a family is by pressing play on something from the past.”

Until next time,

Harleen