How an Ice Cream-Pooping Unicorn Can Teach Your Kids About Ads
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Ads are everywhere, and they're not just selling products; they're selling ideas, lifestyles, and sometimes, a little bit of magic. Take the Squatty Potty ad, for example. It's not every day that you see a unicorn pooping ice cream, but that's exactly what makes this ad so memorable and a perfect tool for teaching your kids about advertising.
Next time the kids start talking about poop, take control of the narrative by discussing this ad about Squatty Potty.
What problem are they solving and how? Start by identifying the problem the product is addressing. How does the Squatty Potty propose to solve this issue?
How does the ad make the product look appealing? Discuss the techniques used in the ad to make the Squatty Potty seem like a must-have item.
What emotions does the ad try to evoke? Ads often play on emotions to create a connection with the audience. What feelings do you think this ad is trying to stir up?
Is there anything that might not be true or is exaggerated? It's important to teach kids to be skeptical of claims made in ads. Are there any statements in the ad that seem too good to be true?
Can you think of any other ways to solve this problem? Encourage your kids to think critically by coming up with alternative solutions to the problem addressed by the Squatty Potty.
What do you think about the use of a unicorn and ice cream? The ad's use of a unicorn pooping ice cream is certainly eye-catching, but what does it add to the message? Is it just for fun, or is there a deeper meaning?
Engaging in questions like these not only helps your kids develop critical thinking skills, but it also turns ad-watching into an interactive and educational experience. Remember, it only takes a single question to spark critical thinking. So, next time you're watching TV or scrolling through social media with your kids, don't just skip the ads—use them as a learning opportunity.
Dr. Carla Engelbrecht is a highly-selective mom, product leader, and internationally recognized expert on children’s education and entertainment technology. As founder of Betweened, she's on a mission to transform social entertainment for kids and their families. If you haven’t already, sign up for the newsletter to get more articles like this or enjoy our free 60 minute video on how to manage when technology goes sideways.
