Old Enough!

Having raised children who were very small at the height of the missing kids on milk cartons paranoia, this show is fascinating. Of course the toddlers are not totally alone on their adventures, but for the most part they seem to think they are. These are big adventures for them, as they say so seriously "I am on an errand."

It's lovely how grownups all along the way look out for the kids with such kindness. And the kids' relationships with their families is delightful to see. It's a fascinating glimpse into small cities and towns in different corners of Japan.

It's exactly what you expect. Cute kids being kids, trying to do adult things. Sometimes it's just fun to see em process tasks and simple life things in their own unique way. It's ofc got the reality TV feel to it, but it's a nice wholesome break from the world.

This show is first shocking (I've never seen two year old kids perform actual tasks such as going to the grocery store before). But then, you get into it and accept it as part of the culture. And hilarity ensues. Especially when the chores go awry. Seeing how someone tries to deal with problems they are facing for the first time is quite hilarious at times, and also nostalgic.

Definite guilty pleasure watch.

A classic Japanese reality series (original title Hajimete no otsukai) following toddlers going on their first errand alone, Netflix has subbed 10 new episodes for us and they're all as cute as ever. They even do some follow up on the older episodes finding the young toddlers as now young adults which was fun to see. However they released this in early January, I would have much preferred a mid December release as would have loved to watch this with my family over the winter holidays. Missed opportunity but still a great show, would highly recommend. In the need for some significant eye bleach this week, Old Enough! Arrived at the absolutely perfect time. A Japanese reality show which has aired since the 90s, Old Enough has subbed a number of episodes to English for Netflix. Each short 10 minute episode tasks a toddler with a really important errand, one they are arguably much too young for, and then follow them with cameras to see what they do. Seeing a 3 year old attempt to walk a km away to bring orange juice to his grandpa, muttering to himself the whole way, just makes the most adorable and heartwarming television. Massive crews protect and watch the kids at all times (besides Japan being an incredibly safe country) so you never really worry about the kids, its just a simple concept to laugh as children stumble, but more often than not succeed, in the world of adults. I would highly recommend this show, peak reality television.

This show is fairly educational if you want to learn about Japanese culture, food, customs, architecture, and various different environments. That kept me watching after the initial plot drew me in. It's really interesting to watch how capable toddlers are when given the chance and we should all learn something from that. Children are able to do much more and could use more independence and less helicopter parenting, and this show encourages just that.