My newly-minted 2-year-old has recently starting stringing together phrases and simple sentences. 

These generally come in the form of commands like, “I wan’ choc-it milk,” and “NO!! IT’S MINE!” 

One of her very favorite demands goes a little something like this: “Baby Shark doo-doo!” 

Because she, like the more than TWO BILLION fellow citizens of the world who have also watched the Pink Fong YouTube sensation, is absolutely obsessed with Baby Shark. (If you have no idea what I’m talking about here, let me just advise you now, as nicely as possible, to RUN AWAY [doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo].)  

Because the internet is a treasure trove of endless possibility, there are all sorts of versions of the song; you can watch a dinosaur themed take, see a dance troupe bop around to it, and, of course, get in the Christmas spirit with Santa Shark. 

And while watching Santa Shark and his elfin friends make the presents, load the sleigh, and swim away might drive anyone over the age of two a little bonkers, experts say there could actually be some educational benefit from repeated viewing of the clip. 

I’ll admit, I was as skeptical as you probably are at the notion.

But, pediatric Speech Language Pathologist Andi Putt writes on Santa Shark creators Super Simple’s blog that parents can tease some vocabulary value out of the silly songs. “This song is great for learning verbs and combining words,” Putt writes. “Simple phrases to model and practice include ‘Fish swimming’, ‘Santa shark’, ‘making toys’, ‘wrap presents’, and ‘load the sleigh’.”

Putt says songs like Santa Shark can help parents maximize their kids’ learning at home. Honestly, it’s probably something you’re already doing, without even realizing it; if you’ve caught yourself launching into a round of “Eat your food, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo” you’ve been making practical applications of preschool pop culture.

Crazy, right? 

Don’t stress about taking it too seriously, though. Putt advises parents to, “have fun, get silly, play, sing, dance and enjoy some fun quality time with your little ones this holiday season!”

(It’s the end, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo . . . )