I have been an educator for over 30 years, and I’ve taught thousands of children ranging from grades 2 through 12.  I know how children learn, I understand their needs, and I’m an expert in pedagogy and curriculum.  Additionally, I am a script writer, filmmaker, and an actor.

Not so long ago, I considered applying to a writing fellowship for children’s shows.  When I examined what I was to trope over, I was disheartened by the violent, acerbic content and overall lack of quality programming for children.  Frankly, it made me angry that impressionable, innocent children were being exposed to a complete lack of substantive material.

In fact, research reveals that many children’s shows are not grounded in education or positive core values.  *The average American child spends three to five hours each day watching television; that’s 1,500 hours per year in front of the TV – compared to only about 900 hours in school.  Children’s TV shows contain about 25 violent acts per hour!  What’s more disconcerting is that the average child sees about 10,000 violent acts per year.

So, I decided to take action. I jotted down what I loved most when I was a child.  This inspiration evolved into Mrs. Whittle’s Cottage, a live action, female-lead, wholesome program with a delightful mixture where Mary Poppins meets Mister Rogers and comes together on Sesame Street.  I, Mrs. Whittle, a warm and nurturing teacher, along with my two puppet friends, the feisty young Connor and shy bookworm Tilly, round out the cast.  Each episode takes children through nine segments of learning, play, fun, adventure, music, singing, and imagination!

What happened after that changed the trajectory of my life.  Mrs. Whittle’s Cottage won Best Family and Children’s Program at the Indie Fest, and children and adults came to adore the characters.  A dear friend suggested I begin a non-for-profit network that creates pure and ethical programming for children, and that is the foundation and inspiration behind the Global Wholesome Network.

We are grateful that you are joining us on this journey to edify and nurture the future of our world.

Most sincerely,

Patricia White, James White, and David Kol

*Adapted from “How Violence in Media Affects Children’s Behavior” by Terry Levy.  Parenting Magazine, September 5, 2017.