[Quesita]

Shortly after Liana came home we discovered the children’s program “Miss Spider.” She was enchanted by the animation and appealing characters. I liked the values that the show embraces… love of family and community, respect for diversity, generosity, etc. The characters struggle with questions such as “should I do the selfish thing I really want to do, or the kind thing that will really benefit someone else?”

The plots are way too complex for my now 23 month old to understand, but she still really enjoys the show.

In any case, three of the eight children in the family are adopted. This evening we watched an episode in which the kids were given the school assignment of creating a family tree. It was a really nice episode. Each of the adopted children had a different set of responses to the assignment, even though each of them was assured that they were part of the “Spider” family tree. Two of the kids speculated about their ancestors, and one even went on a bit of a journey with her mom in search of her “hatch day place,” and asked if her mom thought that her “hatch mom” would be there.

This episode, which I watched on “Noggin on-demand” is called, simply Family.

I hope that Liana and I can watch it again when she is old enough to understand the plot and discuss some of the issues that were raised in such a thoughtful way.

I thought I would share.

[afl]

I love Miss Spider. In fact, my DD's theme for her 2nd birthday was Miss Spider. It's funny because I picked up a couple of the books on sale before she was home just because I thought they were cute. It wasn't until I read the first one to her that I realized some of the bugs were adopted!

I will have to see if I can find the show you just described.

[GuatMommy2Be]

I'm a huge fan of Kristin Davis... and I thought it was a sweet show. M is not yet into it - hopefully she will soon.

[Disneycrazed]

We are big Miss Spider Fans here too

[mommyto2guatboys]

I love the idea of this show, and when my oldest was coming home I bought a few Miss spider things and my little guy was extreamly afraid of her! Still is to this day, can't get him to watch it! I am happy that there are more shows out there that our children can relate to!

Magen
My family!

[riptune2]

Both Alistair and Gisela LOVES Miss Spider!! I have a ton of them recorded just for emergencies. I love the whole premise of the show.

Shannon

[mom2zachy]

Zachy LOVES Miss Spider

I was also seriously jazzed when I found out there were adopted "bugs" in the family. I really like the way they handle the diversity aspect also. At 28 months, Z knows the characters and listens to the dialogue, but I'm not sure he really "gets" the adoption connection, but I am soooo glad to have something to start him with that is at age level....

[Dawnb93]

We saw that episode today. Madelyn likes Miss Spider because of the bright colors, etc. I thought the same thing that Quesita thought- I hope Madelyn can see it again when she's old enough to understand it and we can discuss it. I thought it was very well done.

[CaddoRose]

My 11 yr old had Miss Spider on today and we saw the episode too. I thought it was a great way of explaining adoption and the show was so sweet. DD turned it on so the 2 yr old could watch it.

[frankiegirl]

We have fallen in love with the show! It just dawned on me a few weeks ago that the bugs are adopted. I must be a little slow!!!
What are the names of the books or who writes the books? I would love to get them for my daughter.

[dilgra]

Tati is crazy about the Miss spider books! I didn't know there was a show...she doesn't really watch tv yet but I might make an exception for that one. Thanks!

[adcollins]

I've never seen this show, but it sounds good. Is this related to the Miss Spider from the Miss Spider's Tea Party book? What channel is the show on? It sounds like a good thing to get on DVD for when she's older.

Thanks,
Anne

[LadyTink]

I love Miss Spider!! Hope I can catch this episode some time.