Lessons Learned from Mr. Rogers
Lessons Learned from Mr. Rogers
Lessons Learned from Mr. Rogers
Countless children grew up watching Mr. Fred Rogers on T.V., benefiting from the unique and gentle approach to learning. With a feature film starring Tom Hanks and a recent documentary, Mr. Rogers is again in the collective imagination. His essential message about who you are and about loving your neighbors still rings true today.
It might be beneficial to take some time and reflect on your favorite moments from the T.V. show. These lessons can still benefit children today, so it might also help if you, in turn, teach them to the children in your life.
Lessons on Accepting Yourself
Mr. Roger's offered lots of thoughts on accepting yourself through the show. Here are some of my main take away points from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood:
Feelings are okay. It's normal to want to break free of painful emotions or intense feelings, but it's more productive to face the truth. Recognizing frustration, fear, or anger allows you to confront the root causes.
Welcome silence. Absolute silence might be scary, but Mr. Rogers knew it is important to pause and sit still. Quiet time offers time for reflection on your own identity and thoughts.
Slow down. When you're running around you all the time, you miss valuable things. The traffic light was always set on yellow in Mr. Roger's neighborhood to remind us to take our time, to take it slow.
Be creative. Music, art, and puppetry were Mr. Rogers' way of talking about emotions. He explained that drawing always made him feel good even though he wasn't very naturally talented at it. Find new creative outlets that calm you down and let you play.
Don't focus on THINGS. Value who you are, not by what all the things you own. Mr. Rogers wanted to teach viewers how to make their own entertainment, instead of supporting corporations who sell expensive products.
Be genuine. By most accounts, Mr. Rogers was much the same guy on and off-camera. Stay true to your desires and your own deeply-held beliefs.
Never stop growing as a person. Although you are worthy of love just as you are right now, there is still space for further growth. Continue to gain new insights, competencies, and talents.
Lessons from Mr. Rogers on Loving Your Neighbor
The whole world is our neighbors, according to Mr. Roger's. He invited us to do good to those around us.
Help always. Mr. Rogers credited his mother for telling him to look for helpers when he was scared by anything. Make yourself that helper by assisting anyone needing help. Spread acts of compassion and generosity everywhere you go.
Practice peacemaking. We aren't perfect; we still have conflict, even if you view others with love and care. Choose to compromise even when you don't want to give ground. Seek solutions that satisfy all sides.
Talk kindly. The staff around Mr. Roger invented a name for the way Mr. Roger's spoke to kids: Freddish. For any age, his way of speaking is so beneficial. To avoid misunderstandings, speak clearly, and maintain a friendly tone.
Listen. One way you can show you care is by paying close attention to what you say. Make eye contact, gestures of acknowledgment, and validate their feelings.
Address challenging subjects. Maintaining meaningful relationships sometimes requires talking about sensitive topics. Mr. Rogers used his platform to address important life issues. Many of the most memorable episodes of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood address issues like death, divorce, disability, and racism. Prepare for difficult conversations by seeking common ground, understanding the emotions involved, and concentrating on making positive changes.
Be kind. Pennsylvania honored Mr. Rogers with the First Annual Day of Kindness on May 23.
Make your day "beautiful" in your neighbor by taking a page from Fred Roger's book, and accepting yourself while loving your neighbor.
