I'm still a fan of Kukutiki, but recent events have left me scratching my head.
Chances are, most parents are familiar with these lovable characters.
For those who aren't in the loop, let me fill you in.
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Who are Kukutiki?
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Kukutiki is an entertaining project for little ones aged 0-5. It's a series of engaging, educational clips and fun songs that kids just can't get enough of.
Kukutiki combines animated films with live-action clips featuring young actors and actresses.
The Creators
Big Papa Company is behind this talented team.
Back in 2015, the Big Papa team had an epiphany: why weren't there any awesome, universally loved, modern Russian children's songs?
They got fired up with the ambitious goal of changing the status quo, filling the gap with fresh, original Russian songs, and their first song-movie was "Машинка". It went viral on YouTube, became their calling card, and still racks up over 300,000 views a day.
This young company has won the hearts of millions of kids and their parents.
I remember leaving my daughter at daycare, turning on Multimusic, and rushing out for a morning coffee. When I returned 10 minutes later, she was already mimicking the movements from Kukutiki or another Big Papa project, Three Bears.
So, the time my child spent watching TV wasn't a waste. The show genuinely helped develop her.
For example: my little one never wanted to do finger exercises, but she'd happily repeat the movements with the Big Papa characters. And, of course, I was thrilled – it was time well spent, at least!
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About Their Little Songs
The fun and educational clips tell kids about animals, cars, seasons, tools, space, games, and toys, and so much more.
In song form, the show's characters tell kids stories about Chicken Little, Raccoon, Geese-Ducks, and sing little ditties.
I'm judging by my own daughter, and she loves singing along to familiar tunes, repeating simple dances, learning new words and phrases, and so on.
And to be honest, I used to think this show was one of the best. Although, I have to admit, I still think that now.
The Characters
The young actors are dressed in funny, bright costumes. They play the roles of Piggy, Mouse, Fox, Boy, and Girl.
There's also Pilot, Rapper, and Boxer.
The actors change periodically (I guess kids do grow up).
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Young Hipsters
And then, I see on YouTube a clip of my favorite little chicks... singing about tampons!
What's going on here?
Can you imagine what the youth have come up with?
I'm more curious about how adults allowed this to be filmed.
Tampon, tampon, rushing to help me
It knows the perfect day in the calendar...
And it just gets worse.
The kids start discussing why the tampon is red!
Oh my god, stop this planet!
Little chicks, you're completely cuckoo!
What about children's educational songs? For kids from 0 to 5 years old...
What tampons are these?
This is all very entertaining, but the little ones won't understand.
What are you doing?
I'm laughing out loud!!!
I've gotta say, those tampon ads are pretty eye-opening. And even entertaining. But not exactly suitable for a toddler's viewing age!
Kap kap, like a dripping faucet,
My poor white friend is crying.
Kap kap kap kap, my leaky faucet's got me singing.
Oh, all right...
So, my little Kukutiki fans decided to go viral and flooded the internet with negativity.
I'm not impressed, to be honest. And I'm still trying to wrap my head around how the Big Papa team let that video slip through on YouTube.
I mean, kids these days will entertain themselves however they can.
Screen grab from social media:
I think Fyrfyrfy show is just the grown-up Kukutikis, another project from Big Papa.
My impressions BEFORE
I used to love the Kukutikis and their show. The funny and educational clips were perfect for a quick 10-minute break with my kid, even helping to develop their skills.
My impressions AFTER
Oh, what can I say? I'm laughing at the absurdity of it all. They wanted to go viral, and they sure did. Who knows what's next? Ads for sanitary pads with wings or maybe birth control? I'm not surprised anymore.
Of course, I won't be showing that video to my 2.5-year-old, and from now on, I'll be keeping a closer eye on what she watches.
But the old-school Kukutikis, teaching about animals, singing folk songs, and playing 'Ladushki' with kids? Those are staying in our educational playlist.
That's my two cents.
Thanks for reading my review!