Okay, no doubt there have been countless blog posts and comments about them. But here’s our rendition on how they entered our lives, our home and saved our sanity.
"Fruit Salad...yummy, yummy..."
Our fascination with them started discreetly. An innocent purchase of their healthy snacks, the twinlets took an instant liking to them.
However, I thought, food was the limit. We were going to conciously disband ourselves from their music and all that crazy franchise and over the top concerts. Avoid all the toddler marketing ploys that only burn a desperate parent’s pocket.
Besides, I had decided that being a lover of music – all types of music – I wanted to introduce my children to what wasn’t mainstream.
Justine Clarke and Play School was as general as our household could be.
A captivated audience...
The rest of the time, we showered the twinlets with Newton Faulkner, Jack Johnson (who’s music they were actually born to…another story, another post) and John Mayer.
Early on in parenting I was going to stand firm and not cave into The Wiggles mayhem.
Then, Nulla Nanna snuck in a Wiggles DVD as a present.
Can I just tell you…it has changed our lives.
The catchy tunes, the colourful scenes, the dancing…it has the boys mesmerized. Almost hypnotised.
And us parents ? We are grateful because the Wiggles gives us ten minutes to catch our breath from the daily mayhem of raising twinlets; a distraction for our toddlers on the plane to prevent them from completely losing the plot; they leave me relieved because I know they are educational.
It’s simple. The Wiggles promote happiness, fun and encourage young minds to be active.
Starting from humble beginnings, forming after the untimely death of a band member’s niece from SIDS, the Wiggles all come from an early-childhood education background. They take meticulous planning in staying dedicated to their pre-school and family followers and take their responsibility as role models seriously.
"Hmmm...who are these 'Wiggles' ???"
Their signature finger-waving ? As silly as it looks, it is their policy to use the move when taking photos with children. The Wiggles are adamant that touching children affectionately – or otherwise – is always inappropriate.
I believe they even write most of their songs and play most of the instruments.
So, to all those who can’t get their head around the wonder of the Wiggles, questioning how they have managed to earn more money than Kylie or AC/DC – I’m darn proud that they’ve been Australia’s biggest export.
The Wiggles are as wholesome as you can get: they care about children; their inspiration comes from children.
Let’s face it.
How many of us can say we’re in our dream jobs, becoming millionaires doing what we love and deeply passionate about ?
‘nough said.
Can’t not comment on this. Yay! to the Wiggles. I’ve been a fan since some of them were in the Cockroaches (is that showing my age?), and even before I had kids when I used Wiggles videos (yes, VHS, OMG I’m old…) tapes sent by my Mum to teach English to Japanese Primary School kids. So I was keen for Joe to be old enough to take to a Wiggle’s concert so I could see them live (again if you count a few Cockroaches gigs). I was pregnant with Meg – so I blame that for the emotional overflow, but as we sat in the theatre waiting for the show to start, there was some background Wiggles music playing and the whole crowd of Mums and Dads started singing along and doing the actions while we waited. It suddenly struck me that there were literally thousands of parents from around Wollongong who not only made the effort to come to the concert with their kids, but obviously took the time to watch the Wiggles together on TV, because they knew all the words and actions. Tears started to pour down my face at the thought that so many people loved their kids that much. Groan – I told you I was pregnant – that’s my excuse for the waterworks. Still, years after my kids are “over” the Wiggles I still sing along when I hear their songs, and I do also really appreciate what they’ve done to liven up children’s music. They are really talented musicians, and the variety of styles they use in their songs makes it much easier to listen to than dreary nursery rhymes (although they do a few of thsoe too). Thanks Wiggles!
Jen, you almost had me in tears !!!
From initially dubious parents to ones who can’t wait to take our boys to their first Wiggles concert, your comments have moved me !
As always, thanks for reading.
Don’t be surprised if a (ahem) proposition will be heading your way soon 🙂
I love the Wiggles! I remember when I used to work at a day care centre, I would come home with all the tunes in my head and sing them over and over – used to drive Mike crazy hahahah. I can’t help it! They’re catchy! Ohhh big red caaar! Haha love the captivated boys pic hehe
My little one loves the Wiggles. She’s so disappointed they were taken off Netflix streaming recently. She can’t get her Wiggles fix! I never knew how they started. Thanks for this.
So true, the Wiggles deserve every cent they get, just ask any parent out there. Their energy at every concert, every show is just amazing!