My almost-2-year-old is obsessed with one video and one video only. I realize that Rosie O’Donnell would think this is fantastic, but the fact of the matter is, I can only stand this video for about another 6 seconds.

In an effort to introduce another educational, palatable option I purchased the 40 Years of Sesame Street video for her this past Christmas.

40 YEARS of Sesame Street, people, and she’s having none of it.

I, however, am loving every minute.

“Mom, who’s the frog?” asked Henry.

“WHAT? That’s KERMIT for god’s sake!”

“Who’s Kermit?”

Ohmigod.

“Why is Poppy on TV?” asked Jack.

I’d never before considered that my father looks like Mr. Rogers, but frankly, upon forced consideration, he does in fact bear a striking resemblance.

But the real issue, which I’m clearly trying to avoid out of complete mortification, is that my kids have no idea who Mr. Rogers is. Which should be grounds for incarceration—of me.

The final blow came from George.

“Who’s the green dude in the trash can?”

“Everyone sit down,” I ordered. “We’re all going to watch 40 years of Sesame Street together, after which there will be a quiz. So pay attention. If you do not pass, you must watch again until you do pass. Because I can’t live in a world in which my own children don’t know who Kermit is.”

“Mom, you’re acting like the guy in the trash can,” said Jack. Who couldn’t remember what said guy in the trash can’s name is.

Their final exam—for which they are expected to know not only all of the above characters but also Grover, Snuffleupagus, and Mr. Hooper—is tomorrow. If they don’t pass with flying colors, believe me, you’ll hear about it.

—

What show from your younger years do you miss the most? The Electric Company? 3-2-1 Contact? Zoom? Do share.

And sing along with me, for old time’s sake. “Contact…is the secret…is the moment…when everything happens. Contact.”