- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- iparenting canada articles
- iparenting canada q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Top-notch TV
Canadian Children's Television By Neilia Sherman
Canada has a stellar reputation in the area of 
children's television programming and production, particularly in the field of animation. The Canadian government has actively encouraged homegrown TV production since it created the Canadian Broadcast Program Development Fund in 1983. At that time, 85 percent of Canada's primetime programs were foreign made.
Children's television in Canada has a long history of providing a gentler alternative to some of the over-the-top programs being shown elsewhere. Classic programs like Mr. Dressup and The Friendly Giant allowed children to indulge in a more interactive experience with program hosts, who made a personal connection with their young viewers.
April Almeida of Hamilton, Ontario is very selective about the TV programs that she allows her 2 1/2-year-old daughter to watch. "I refuse to let her see violence or the news. I want her to see fun, educational programs that teach her about good habits, manners, love for fellow humans and kindness," she says. Her daughter's favourite Canadian station is Treehouse TV.
Treehouse TV is unique in that it is the only national, specialty network in North America that is solely dedicated to preschoolers age 6 years and under. Commercial-free programming is offered from 6 a.m. until 3 a.m. each day. Treehouse TV has launched three original series: Ants in Your Pants