Children, Fireman Sam and the Kids Industry

It's been a while since I posted to this blog. The reason for that was spotted by an eagle eyed reader who noticed in my profile that I now live in Oxfordshire with my wife Claire, son Conor and also a new addition - daughter Niamh. 

Niamh is now two and half weeks old, and getting used to life in the Rogan household. Her Daddy tries to go running early, unfortunately now even earlier in the morning. When back, it is a case of juggling breakfast, the radio, dinner plans and an early blast of Fireman Sam for Conor. 

Fireman Sam is the tip of the iceberg, if that is not too confused a statement. One of the newest phenomena for me has actually been getting to know the kids industry a little bit. My favourite is Thomas the Tank Engine, principally because he was my favourite as a kid, too. HIT Entertainment own the rights to the show, and license the brand in a number of categories - from new books to train sets; pyjamas to cutlery. Yes, we have them all.

I have actually been pleasantly surprised by the quality of much of the entertainment available to children. For example, the BBC through CBeebies provised a stream of consistent, educational television. Half an hour in front of the Numberjacks (a show teaching basic numeracy) has to be a good use of a child's time. 

It feels to me that we demonise the kids' toys and entertainment industry nowadays. We complain that it is too commercial, as though that were a sin in itself. In my view it is a good thing. Commerciality and free market economics ensure that the quality output which parents value rises to the top. We get the kids industry we deserve.