Harriet the Spy - To My Future Self (S1E10)
On her birthday, Ole Golly revisits a list of everything she wanted to do by the age of 35—and Harriet is determined to help her complete it.
| Runtime (min) | 24 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2022-05-19 |
| Genres | Animation, Kids |
| TV Rating | TV-G |
| Network(s) | Apple TV |
Storyline
On Ole Golly's birthday, Harriet discovers that her beloved nanny once wrote a list of goals she hoped to accomplish by age 35. Now that Ole Golly has reached that milestone, Harriet realizes many items remain unchecked. Determined to help her nanny fulfill these dreams, Harriet throws herself into the mission with characteristic enthusiasm and resourcefulness.
The episode follows Harriet as she orchestrates plans to help Ole Golly complete her list, enlisting friends and family along the way. Through their efforts, both Harriet and Ole Golly learn valuable lessons about ambition, timing, and the difference between achieving specific goals and finding fulfillment. The birthday becomes an opportunity for reflection on how life unfolds differently than planned, and how the people we become can be just as meaningful as the checkboxes we complete.
What kids learn
Children watching this episode encounter important ideas about goal-setting and self-compassion. Harriet's determination to help Ole Golly shows kids the value of supporting the people they care about, while Ole Golly's response to her unfinished list teaches that not completing every goal doesn't mean failing at life. Young viewers learn that dreams can evolve and that the journey matters as much as the destination.
The episode also explores how we measure success and happiness. Kids see that adults don't always accomplish everything they set out to do, and that this is a normal part of growing up rather than something to feel ashamed about. This can help children develop healthier attitudes toward their own goals and reduce anxiety about perfection.
Additionally, the story demonstrates thoughtfulness and empathy through Harriet's actions. She pays attention to what matters to Ole Golly, remembers important details, and takes initiative to make someone else's day special. These are powerful lessons in friendship, gratitude, and showing love through action rather than just words.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How should I talk to my child about unmet goals after watching this episode? | Use Ole Golly's experience as a starting point for honest conversation. Explain that everyone has dreams that change or don't work out exactly as planned, and that's a normal part of life. Help your child understand that not completing a goal doesn't diminish their worth or mean they failed. Emphasize that learning, growing, and adjusting our dreams as we change is healthy and shows wisdom rather than weakness. |
| Is this episode appropriate for younger elementary-aged children? | Yes, the episode is suitable for younger viewers. The themes of birthdays, helping loved ones, and pursuing goals are presented in an age-appropriate way without heavy emotional content. The 24-minute runtime keeps the pacing engaging for shorter attention spans, and Harriet's problem-solving approach gives children a relatable character to follow. The lessons about flexibility and kindness are accessible to children in early elementary grades. |
| What if my child starts worrying about their own future goals after watching? | Reassure your child that they have plenty of time to explore interests and discover what matters to them. Explain that goals can change as we learn more about ourselves, and that's perfectly fine. Help them focus on enjoying current activities and learning new things rather than worrying about distant deadlines. Emphasize that Ole Golly is happy despite her unchecked boxes because she values the life and relationships she's built. |
| Does Harriet's determination to help Ole Golly cross any boundaries? | Harriet's enthusiasm is well-intentioned and the episode handles her efforts with care. While she's eager to help, the story ultimately respects Ole Golly's perspective and agency. This creates a good opportunity to discuss with your child the difference between helping someone and taking over their choices. You can talk about asking people what they need rather than assuming, and respecting when someone feels content with where they are. |
| What conversation starters does this episode provide for families? | The episode opens doors to discuss what each family member hopes to accomplish, how goals have changed over time, and what makes people truly happy. You might ask your child what they'd put on their own list, or share something from your past that didn't work out but led to something good. Discussing Ole Golly's birthday also invites conversations about celebrating people we love and showing appreciation through thoughtful actions. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Harriet's ambition to know and see everything may change reclusive Agatha K. Plumber's life for the better. |
| 1 | 2 | Harriet's new coat is perfect for her—and Marion Hawthorne, apparently. But who will win the school's vote? |
| 1 | 3 | Janie and Harriet vow never to go to dancing school, but Harriet doesn't know that Janie actually likes dancing. |
| 1 | 4 | After an awful day, Harriet wants some alone time. Watching Mr. Withers' 26 cats is just what she needs...or is it? |
| 1 | 5 | Harriet learns about her middle initial and questions who she is. Her nanny, Ole Golly, teaches Harriet a valuable lesson about identity. |
| 1 | 6 | Janie and Harriet get to meet their favorite singer, only to discover a shocking truth about his music. |
| 1 | 7 | Harriet really wants to win a photo competition, but it means teaming up with someone she doesn't see eye to eye with: her mom. |
| 1 | 8 | Sport and Harriet think it's time to get rid of their beloved stuffies, but change their minds—and the narrative—thanks to Marion's sneaky reporting. |
| 1 | 9 | Harriet adds the Garcia family to her spy route...and discovers that someone is spying on her. |
| 1 | 10 | On her birthday, Ole Golly revisits a list of everything she wanted to do by the age of 35—and Harriet is determined to help her complete it. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | When Harriet loses her last—and favorite—baby tooth, she struggles with saying goodbye to her babyhood. |
| 2 | 2 | The Welsch family attends a neighborhood party where Harriet is determined to find out why the Robinsons are so boring. |
| 2 | 3 | At the world's fair, Harriet meets a 14-year-old photographer who's unsure of his future—but shows Harriet how to cherish today. |
| 2 | 4 | Sport joins Harriet for a local scavenger hunt. But when he brings his good-luck charm to improve their chances, Harriet is skeptical. |
| 2 | 5 | While Harriet's parents are out, she and Ole Golly join Mr. Waldenstein for a movie date. But can they get home before Harriet's parents do? |
| 2 | 6 | When Ole Golly announces she and Mr. Waldenstein are getting married and moving to Montreal, Harriet tries to change her mind. |
| 2 | 7 | Harriet's dream of creating a post–Ole Golly life is shattered when her notebook falls into the hands of her nemesis: Marion. |
| 2 | 8 | The fallout from her private thoughts becoming public leaves Harriet fighting to repair her friendships—and for the return of her notebook. |
| 2 | 9 | With the notebook causing quite a stir, Harriet hopes a backyard trial of her peers will prove her innocence. |
| 2 | 10 | After Harriet makes an unexpected discovery, she comes up with a plan to right her wrongs. |
This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.