Peppa Pig is10

This July is the tenth anniversary of Peppa Pig. Since the first show in 2004, there have been many critics of it saying it promoted bad behaviour like jumping in muddy puddles and eating chocolate cake for breakfast.

Mummy Pig says Peppa and George are only allowed to jump in muddy puddle if they have their boots on and that is how I get Boo to wear appropriate footwear around the farm- “Peppa wears her boots.”

Yes they do eat chocolate cake but it is almost always following an episode where either Mummy, Daddy, Grandpa or Grandma have made it with the “little piggies” and they do eat vegetables grown in Grandad Pig’s garden.

The thing is though, if you had told me ten years ago that I’d be watching more Peppa Pig than adult programmes I would have laughed in your face.

Ten years ago I was 25 and it was more Sex and the City on my television than Nick Junior.

Think holidays with the girls and out every Saturday night without fail.

I had been in my first job for about a year (10 years on and I am still there). I bought new shoes at every pay day and regularly went out after work on a Friday night.

It is a totally different life now with children.

I know all the characters of Peppa Pig. Whether I actively watch it or it is on in the background while I am doing something else, you can’t help it infiltrating your brain.

Despite all the criticism from other parents, I think there are worse programmes Boo could be watching.

Peppa lives in a traditional family unit and her grandparents (albeit one set), have an active part in their lives.

It also show other aspects of society such as some people thinking Mummy Rabbit is a single parent-I’m not sure about this though as Mr Rabbit is present when Mummy Rabbit gives birth to the twins. However you never see Daddy Sheep so I think it is probably Mrs Sheep who is the single parent.

Never the less, vital life lessons are learnt in each episode. The characters counteract their prolific eating with exercise whether it be a fun run to Windy Castle, a trip to the gym or an episode of ‘your friend and mine, Mr Potato’s coming to town.

There are many subtle jokes made just for adults like when Daddy Pig builds the Wolf family a house and the analogy to the Three Little Pigs is made.

No one can fail to be impressed with Miss Rabbit’s work ethic. That woman works so many different jobs, I’m not sure she can keep up. Check out at the supermarket, librarian, aquarium worker, ice cream seller are just a few.

Mummy Pig’s job has, as far as I am aware never been stated but, she works at home and has the children constantly sat on her knee while she is trying to work so I think she must be a blogger.

Maybe she reviews chocolate cake recipes and the effectiveness of boots for keeping water out, who knows?

For all the haters out there, it can be annoying, Just the sound of the theme tune can grate on you but really, there are worst things out there and for that, I have one word for you.

Balamory.

So happy tenth birthday Peppa, we will probably be celebrating with you today.

It is like your birthday every day in our house.