The Tao Of Peppa Pig

Welcome to the world of Peppa Pig where everyday life is full of oinks and small wonders, fairy princesses, muddy puddles, and most importantly, laughter. The Pig family are goals.

I enjoy Peppa Pig. Like, really enjoy. On a scale of Caillou to 10, Peppa’s right up there. Maybe it’s because if I look at Peppa as more than a show for preschool-aged children and more like The Tao of Peppa Pig, my kids aren’t the only ones learning things.

In Peppa’s world, the glass is always half-full — cloudy days bring muddy puddles for jumping, hot weather means ice cream from Miss Rabbit, and no obstacle can’t be laughed at.

Like the time Daddy Pig insisted the tree branch was strong enough to hold his weight while he tried to retrieve a kite. Of course, the branch buckled, and of course, Daddy Pig fell into the muddy puddle below (after Mummy Pig said the kids couldn’t get dirty and play in it), and of course, they all had a good laugh about it.

Or the time when Peppa, fresh from learning how to ride her bicycle without training wheels, smashed right into Daddy Pig’s coveted pumpkin, splitting it right down the center. Yes, he told her to watch out, and no Peppa didn’t listen, but a big broken pumpkin means more pie for everyone so let’s have a good laugh about that too. After all, everyone wore their helmets, no one was injured, and an important lesson was learned: slow down, pay attention.

And then there’s George, Peppa’s younger, dinosaur-loving brother who’s always slowing Peppa down, but even that’s alright in the scheme of things. Deep down, even when he’s cramping her style and she’s forced to share, George can be a delight. Like the time he planted his favorite toy dinosaur in hopes of growing a dinosaur tree. Even Grandpa and Granny Pig thought that was funny.

Peppa’s world wouldn’t be so bright without the love and support of her parents, Mummy and Daddy Pig who, of course, are smitten with each other. My all-time favorite is when Mummy Pig fell into a prickly blackberry bush. Peppa, always ready and waiting to use her fairy princess anecdotes, tells her friend, Suzy Sheep, that Mummy Pig will be stuck for over a 100 years. Suzy, without missing a beat, tells a trapped Mummy Pig she’s like “Sleeping Beauty who will be rescued by a handsome Prince.” Daddy Pig, hearing the call, says to the girls, “I will be that handsome prince.” And he makes good on his promise, rescuing Mummy Pig from the prickly thorns. The two embrace and kiss. Swoon.

The Tao of Peppa Pig reminds us that while everything can’t be laughed at, we do have the ability to control more than we think — like our reactions. If we support one another, see the best in situations whenever we can, enjoy ice cream and pie in moderation, and look at muddy puddles not as wet dirt but as opportunities for fun then life can be a pretty awesome place full of warmth and love.

Watch Peppa Pig daily on Nick Jr. and find Peppa Pig printables and other fun ideas for your little piggies at www.peppapig.com/grown-ups.