Parents' Guide to Using CoComelon
Prepared by Dr. Elly Pueschel, PhD, and Dr. Yalda T. Uhls, PhD, from the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA
Parenting is full of firsts—first steps, first words, and first big experiences. While these moments can be exciting, they can also bring uncertainty. The good news? Media can be a powerful tool in your caregiving toolbox, helping children prepare for new experiences, build routines, and develop emotional skills.
Research shows that when used thoughtfully, stories can make unfamiliar moments feel less overwhelming and more engaging for children. Here’s how you can make the most of it:
5 Ways to Use Stories to Support Your Child
1
Watch episodes before new experiences.
Why? Seeing something in action—like a dentist visit—helps children know what to expect, easing anxiety and making new situations feel more familiar.
2
Engage with your child while watching together.
Why? Research shows that when caregivers discuss what they’re watching, children develop stronger empathy, confidence, and emotional skills.
3
Follow your child’s natural curiosity.
Why? Children learn best when they’re interested. If they’re curious about a topic—from dinosaurs to colors—using media to explore it can enhance their learning.
4
Rewatch episodes to reinforce learning.
Why? Repetition helps preschoolers absorb new concepts and stay engaged with what they’re watching.
5
Balance screen time with other important activities.
Why? Breaks ensure that screen time doesn’t replace essential activities like play, sleep, and social interaction, supporting a well-rounded development. By using media thoughtfully, caregivers can turn screen time into a meaningful learning experience that supports children’s growth and development.
Connecting CoComelon to Caregiving
CoComelon offers episodes on routines and “firsts,” making it a great tool for introducing new experiences to children.
Where to start: First Day of School
CoComelon Lane on Netflix models emotional skills for children and provides caregivers with strategies for validating feelings and working through challenges together.
Where to start: Cece's First Haircut, Nina's New Shoes
CoComelon Classroom uses repetition to reinforce new concepts young viewers are learning about like letters, animals, and objects.
By incorporating media in a thoughtful way, you can help your child learn, grow, and navigate new experiences with confidence.
Research References
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Rasmussen, E. E., Shafer, A., Colwell, M. J., White, S., Punyanunt-Carter, N., Densley, R. L., & Wright, H. (2016). Relation between active mediation, exposure to Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and US preschoolers’ social and emotional development. Journal of Children and Media, 10(4), 443-461. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482798.2016.1203806
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Fletcher, K., Wright, C. A., Pesch, A., Abdurokhmonova, G., & Hirsh-Pasek, K. (2024). Active playful learning as a robust, adaptable, culturally relevant pedagogy to foster children’s 21st-century skills. Journal of Children and Media, 18(3), 309-321. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482798.2024.23569563
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Herdzina, J. & Lauricella, A. R. (2020). Media Literacy in Early Childhood Report. Chicago, IL: Technology in Early Childhood (TEC) Center, Erikson Institute.
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Crawley, A. M., Anderson, D. R., Wilder, A., Williams, M., & Santomero, A. (1999). Effects of repeated exposures to a single episode of the television program Blue's Clues on the viewing behaviors and comprehension of preschool children.Journal of Educational Psychology, 91(4), 630. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.91.4.630
