Last night I put the kids to bed and then hours later I found myself still watching their cartoons. I pulled a 13 episode, Netflix-and-chill-style, binge watch of Skylanders Academy Season Two. And while I am exhausted today, I have no regrets. In fact, I loved the positive messages weaved into each episode so much that I want to re-watch the season with my daughter. Here are the top 3 reasons, as a mom, I want my daughter to watch Skylanders Academy on Netflix.
1. Everyone has a Superpower - In the first episode, Spyro struggles with the feeling of being ordinary, thinking he has no power to make him extraordinary. He goes through a stage when fakes having powers and then hits a stage of depression. By the end of the episode he realizes that everyone has something that makes them special, everyone has a superpower, you just have to believe in yourself.
Cynder, a dragon, goes through a similar struggle. She's afraid she will not make it into Skylanders Academy because she doesn't have special powers. Through Spyro's guidance and training, Cynder discovers she has a few pretty amazing and intense powers that she will have to dig deep and believe in herself to master and use for good.
2. Girls are Fierce, too - Did you know gender perceptions and beliefs start at a young age? I'm very conscious of this with my daughter, especially with the media we watch. In Skylanders Academy, they have female characters that equally powerful and are never portrayed as weaker in any way due to their gender. Stealth Elf, Ninjini, and Cynder are fierce characters that are embraced as equals at The Academy. The same is true for the male gender stereotypes. One of the main villains is a female, instead of the typical male villain.
3.Friendship is Your Greatest Power - The basis of the entire show, in my opinion, is it's better together. Individually each Skylander is strong but together they dominate. There are also several lessons on friendship through the season. One of my favorites is when Stealth Elf and Spyro get locked in the self- destructing relics room. As the room counts down to destruction Stealth Elf and Spyro become closer than ever and strengthen their friendship. Their stronger bond is the key to unlocking the door and stopping the impending doom.
Overall, Skylanders Academy is an awesome show that kept me entertained for an entire evening. I also give it the mom stamp of approval for my daughter due to it's tasteful and never raunchy humor, positive messages about self-confidence and self-awareness, and fun storylines. Skylanders Academy Season Two is available on Netflix now and you can learn more HERE.
