Lessons from Gabba Land

by Rebecca Gifford

With a 20-month-old in the house, the TV is more likely showing an episode of Yo Gabba Gabba! than Californication these days. It comes with the parenting territory, right? Still, this trippy little show is quite entertaining and, dare I say, enlightening.

If you’re not familiar, it is primarily about a collection of charming and child-like creatures that live in Gabba Land, mostly in the imagination of the fuzzy orange hat-clad DJ Lance Rock. Dancing, singing, guest stars and lessons about washing your hands and not biting your friends are interspersed with clever animated songs or stories. One of these animated ditties has charmed me and captured my imagination.

The lyrics are all about how it’s fun to share with your friends, etc. But the animation is truly genius in its simplicity and subtle message. One by one, little bulbous creatures share their fruit with a friend. Every time they do this, fruit begins falling from the sky. When one creature drops his hamburger on the ground, his friend gives him his only orange, then another friend comes by and shares one of hers with the creature who just gave up his. They all smile at each other…and fruit falls from the sky.

It’s a wonderful reminder and beautiful lesson for young children: When we generously and unconditionally share whatever we have to give – love, food, money, support, help, healing, a laugh, a hug, a kind word, a piece of fruit – there is no “mine,” “theirs” or “yours.” When we share, there is more than enough for everyone. There is only “ours.”

As DJ Lance Rock would say: Sharing is AWESOOOOOOME!