Any other grandparents familiar with Paw Patrol? This is what someone close to me is watching right now (not Ray), and I have to admit I’ve enjoyed getting to know these pups with lots of industrial equipment, who fix whatever needs fixing and rescue anyone—human or animal—who needs rescuing. Ethan is not the only grandkid of ours who has loved Paw Patrol. Lyla dressed up as Chase (one of the pups) a few Halloweens ago and looked absolutely adorable.

That said, my favorite of the present-day cartoons for kids is Trash Truck. The story lines are unexpected and the characters are unique. Where else but a cartoon might you find a sweet, reliable Trash Truck who is best friends with the salt-of-the-earth young Hank? Or an entire cast of animal sidekicks—Walter the bear, Donny the raccoon, and the wise Ms. Mona the rat? The ordinary world of Trash Truck includes a doctor treating Trash Truck and Hank for poison ivy, and the whole gang learning to surf from Australian Miss Mona. In other words, it’s the world exactly as a child might imagine it, where cars, trucks, animals, and people can all talk, think critically, and come up with creative solutions while also being best friends.

Who knew that being a grandparent would open one’s world back up to cartoons? It’s only one of the many unexpected treats of spending time with kids. Of course, you can also watch these shows simply for the fun of it—with kids or not.