Reasons Parents Should Stop Restricting 'SpongeBob SquarePants'

So many parents won't allow their kids to watch "SpongeBob" for various reasons. Some say that "SpongeBob" will make your kid have ADHD, that it will turn your kid into a brat, or that it's downright inappropriate. As a huge "SpongeBob" fan, I feel obligated to discuss this topic.

1. 'SpongeBob SquarePants' is funny

We can't deny this. "SpongeBob" is made to be pleasurable to watch for both, kids and parents. The '90s cartoon is responsible for some of the funniest memes that flood the internet today. It's arguably one of the most iconic, quotable, and successful '90s cartoons because of that.

2. Your kids can't understand the adult humor.

A big issue with a lot of parents and "SpongeBob" is that there's too much inappropriate adult humor. While there is a lot of adult humor, you should understand that your children are probably not old enough to understand it.

For example, "Sailor Mouth" is an episode in which SpongeBob and his best friend, Patrick, unknowingly discover swear words, which they think are simply "sentence enhancers". The two friends then carry about their day until they discover their wrongdoing.

Don't worry! There are no real cuss words used in the episode. The "swear words" are simply dolphin noises and honking horns.

As you can see, the dolphin noises are likely substituting the "F" word, but, your kids would probably be just as oblivious to that as SpongeBob and his friend were in the episode.

3. You can't blame a child's behavior on a TV show

The notion that "SpongeBob" can turn your child into a brat is unrealistic. If you teach your kids right from wrong on your own time, this shouldn't be an issue. I don't know why this show's example would lead to bratty behavior anyhow, but like I said, just because they see it on TV doesn't mean they will act like it. Every child is different. I know kids who are angels that grew up with "SpongeBob" and I know some really rude kids who weren't allowed to watch it -- and vice versa. If your child learns everything s/he knows from a cartoon, whose fault is that?

4. "But it will give my kid ADHD"

It really just depends on the child. "SpongeBob" does not mean that your kid will inevitably wind up with ADHD. It doesn't. Your kid could develop ADHD even if they don't watch it.

"The pictures move too fast. There are studies that prove it! It's at adult level!"

While "SpongeBob" moves faster than "Dora the Explorer" and "Blue's Clues", keep in mind that "SpongeBob" is also made for ages 6+ while the other two shows are more aimed at ages 2+. Not to mention, I don't think the movies "Secret Life of Pets", "Finding Dory", or any other kid movie you probably took your child to this past couple of weeks move any slower than "SpongeBob".

5. "It was meant for Adult Swim originally, though!"

Your point? Just because it was originally for Adult Swim doesn't mean that it's still directly an adult show. Obviously, since it's on Nickelodeon, it has to follow Nickelodeon guidelines -- not Adult Swim guidelines.

6.There are lessons and symbolism in almost every episode

Since I really don't want to give another synopsis, we will just talk about "Sailor Mouth" again. As I already mentioned, SpongeBob and Patrick had been using the bad language until they discovered it was bad. After that, they were repentful. So, the lesson could be either don't use words you don't actually know the meanings of, or don't use bad language in general.

7. This

8. It's a '90s cartoon

The first episode of "SpongeBob" aired in 1999. Most '90s cartoons were naughty in one way or another. "Ren and Stimpy" is an example.

Or "The Powerpuff Girls"

Or "Rugrats"

See? "SpongeBob" isn't even that bad. It's a '90s cartoon with a sense of humor. It can't be blamed for your child's behavior. It won't inevitably cause ADHD. It won't make your kid a brat. Worst case scenario, your kid will grow up with a good sense of humor.