On a recent visit to church, an enjoyable but relatively rare event, I listened to a sermon focused on someone I have barely thought of since childhood: Mr. Rogers. I had no idea that Fred Rogers was a minister or that he got into television for the sole purpose of providing ethical entertainment to children or that he gave a speech to Congress back in the 60's to argue for funding for PBS. Betty Jeanne Rueters-Ward, the woman giving the sermon, noted that his television show followed a similar format to a church service: an opening hymn of sorts, a homily, a closing hymn in a consistent, comfortingly familiar style. She also brought up an idea that I had heard before but had not realized where it came from: look for the helpers.
In the Mister Rogers Parenting Book, Fred Rogers wrote,“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping. To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world."
This positive message provides a way for both children and their parents to deal with horrific events. In this age of social media, it is increasingly difficult to shelter children from upsetting stories. I personally struggle to process anything that involves mass shootings or hurt children and the quick glance I allow myself on Facebook is generally enough to learn the latest disturbing tragedy in current events. While I truly believe (and the facts support) that the world is a safer place now than in the past, this constant exposure can make it seem like the reverse. But what Mr. Rogers said holds true. These events always include helpers, heroes trying to make the situation a little better. People who remind us how to act when disaster strikes and who can inspire our children what they can grow up to become. People who reinforce what I have always believed: that good exists in all of us.
Since that church service, I have introduced my old neighbor to Nate. Watching the show again for the first time in so many years, I realized just how good it is. So many kids shows today include a bombardment of noise and images. Everything in Mr. Rogers' world is calm and quiet. He deals with heavy issues like sadness and fear, as well as educational information on science and the environment (I watched an episode from the 70's that discussed reusing and recycling to reduce waste!). But he lays out each lesson in a peaceful, accessible fashion. And he ends each show reminding children how special we all are. Nate loved watching it and I loved returning to that neighborhood. It's become a mother-son bonding activity that we both enjoy.
In an interview shortly before his death, Fred Rogers said, "I'm just so proud of all of you who have grown up with us, and I know how tough it is some days to look with hope and confidence on the months and years ahead. But I would like to tell you what I often told you when you were much younger: I like you just the way you are."
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