It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood….

A genius in child development.

 

My devotion to Mr. Rogers Neighborhood came at a time in my life when my mental age did not match my chronological age.  This, however, is not about me, but rather a sweater-zipping, shoe-tossing, trolley-driving host of a neighborhood children’s show; that many viewers found delightful. He also was the brunt of late night comedians at times, but Mr. Rogers found it funny and affectionate. The success of this show can be summed up in the characteristics of the man.

 

·        Fred Rogers identified with people and their curiosity. – From how things were made to how people related, Fred could always discover and share with a genuine spirit. Children would not feel put down for their questions, and dare I admit, neither did adults.

·        Fred Rogers saw the need for acceptance. – He was an ordained Presbyterian Minister who taught his audience to love themselves and others. People could not watch the show without going away feeling that he liked them ‘for just your being you’ and ‘just the way you are’.

·        Fred Rogers incorporated music into learning. – Who among my readers have not thought of “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood” song or the chimes that would introduce the trolley? Music has been studied and proven to be one of the best tools in learning anything. Fred Rogers took that tool and used it in his teachings every day. Children and adults would go through the day with tunes in their head. Would that help? Would it result in a more soothing way to approach some issue? Would those tunes come to mind at times we would nervously look around to make sure no-one heard us humming it?  

Mr. Rogers Neighborhood can be found on the internet with the premise to the show. We are in this world together to help each other. Each person can learn something from this man and the compassion he had for others, even if they are late night comedians.