We are facing a real Mexican stand-off in our house over the television.

With a fairly large age-gap between my two children it was an inevitablility there would be a face-off at some point over Mr Tumble and the Disney Channel.

Trying to find a happy medium is difficult although the ten-year-old will countenance the odd episode of Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol.

Unfortunately we are subjected to Pup-pup boogie and the irritating adventures of thee Mayor's pet chicken, Chickoletta almost on a rolling loop.

Now I have written that sentence I realise how ridiculous it sounds.

Although this particular programme at least revels in its complete lack of reality. For example the puppies talk and a small boy no older than my daughter is their carer and master.

Others are meant to bee based in fact but are completely far fetched. I am sure I have already in previous columns mentioned my incredulity at the myriad forms of transport Postman Pat has access to in order to achieve his Special Delivery Service.

Ditto Fireman Sam who has a speedboat, fire engine and also a helicopter.

Spending cuts and austerity have not so far reached Ponty Pandy or Greendale, thank goodness.

But at least, after a national outcry, Peppa and her irritating, whiny sibling George, wear seatbelts in their red car.

No sign of them being less rude or annoying - reasons for which I know several parents have had to temporarily ban their toddlers from watching said programme.

And all these delights, add in the re-booted Tellytubbies and something called Max and Ruby we found on Netflix about a bossy little girl rabbit who appears to be sole carer for her brother, are pitted against the more grown-up but no less irritating the Next Step and Got What it Takes.

The Next Step is massive with tweenagers right now - the cast are even on a tour of British theatres right now performing the moves they showcase on the drama which centres around a dance school.

It is all a long way from Grange Hill and Byker Grove but the teen romances and kitchen sink drama are all present and correct.

But at least these were real situations most kids watching it would be in, going to school and youth clubs.

The Next Step is about a dance studio that doesn't seem to ever close and is run by kids. Who do not appear to go to school or do anything other than dance and talk about themselves.

I know I sound old, but when do they actually just get to be kids ?