Mr Rogers Taught Us How to Treat Children with Dignity

by Sarah Forrest|| 29 March 2017

A recent article I read pointed out something fascinating that made Mr Rogers (of the longstanding children’s show Mr Rogers’ Neighborhood) so successful at captivating children.

It wasn’t fancy songs.

It wasn’t flashy animation.

It was dignity.

In an era when children were often considered best  “seen and not heard”, he viewed his own viewers as individuals with thoughts and feelings that deserved the respect of adults around them. From his trademark saying “it’s YOU I like”, to his advice for parents that “what’s mentionable is manageable”, the world he built was one where adults helped children thrive by teaching them to acknowledge their feelings and manage them… rather than be ruled by them.

For the whole article – a recommended read for any parent of little ones! – see:

http://www.pbs.org/parents/expert-tips-advice/2017/03/special-mister-rogers/