Melissa Wagner - Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

FRED ROGERS PRODUCTIONS inspires a lifetime of learning by creating quality childrens media that models an enthusiasm for learning and earns the trust of parents and caregivers.

MELISSA WAGNER is a writer and editor who had the honor of working with Fred Rogers on several books, including The Mister Rogers Parenting Book and Mister Rogers Playtime. She lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and their daughter.

MAX DALTON is a graphic artist and illustrator whose work is featured in The Wes Anderson Collection. He lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

You Are Special

Everybodys special in this life. Everybody you meet has something special to give and receive.

WE ARE ALL SPECIAL

Mister Rogers told each one of us that not only are we special but also that each of our neighbors is special, too. These core messages go hand in hand. Each time he appeared on our television screens, his love for people shone through. With each interaction he hadwhether with a child, a service worker, a famous musician, or a familiar neighborhood friendhe modeled appreciation for every persons inherent worth.

VALUING OTHERS

Mister Rogers helped his neighbors recognize the goodness inside them. When Mr. McFeely arrived at Mister Rogers house feeling sad after a delivery mishap, Mister Rogers listened as Mr. McFeely shared his feelings. Then he assured Mr. McFeely that everyone makes mistakes and reminded him of how grateful he was to have him in his life.

APPRECIATING THE WORK THAT PEOPLE DO

Every one of us contributes something of value to the wider world. Whether in visits or on the Picture-Picture screen, Mister Rogers took us on tours of factories and workshops to show how people make the things we use every day. He explained each step of the process, peppering his commentary with compliments and admiring wordsThis man surely works quickly and carefully, doesnt he? and She really knows her workthat showed his respect for people and their efforts.

Its You I Like

You are a very special person. There is only one just like you. Theres never been anyone exactly like you in the history of the earth, and there never will be again. And people can like you just because youre you.

YOU ARE LOVABLE

Before he left us for the day, Mister Rogers gave us the same kind of affirmation: You make each day a special day by just being you. And through these feelings of appreciation and acceptance, we could grow and learn, feeling comfortable enough to allow ourselves to make mistakes and take risks. We could believe that we are valuable, and we are worthy, even when we fall short of our goals. You dont have to do anything sensational for people to love you.

WHAT MATTERS MOST

Mister Rogers encouraged us to value our inner selves. When Henrietta Pussycat found out that Grandpres beautiful granddaughter Collette would be visiting, Henrietta worried about her own place in the Neighborhood. She put on a fancy dress, a fancy hat, and makeup and would speak only French like Collette, even though her neighbors couldnt understand a word she said. Mister Rogers explained how she felt: Henrietta thought that people wouldnt like her unless she got all dressed up in a fancy way. Weve always liked Henrietta, no matter what she wore. He then sings Its You I Like, reminding us that we, too, are loved for our essential selves rather than for our possessions and appearance.

Its not so much what we have in this life that matters. Its what we do with what we have. The alphabet is fine, but its what we do with it that matters most. Making words like friend and love. Thats what really matters.

LOVING YOURSELF

Mister Rogers helped us appreciate our unique selves. When we feel comfortable with ourselves, we can talk about our feelings and make deeper connections with the people around us. Loving ourselves, and valuing what is special in us, can lead us to love and appreciate others.

Be Generous with Your Gratitude

Thank you. Two of the best words we can ever learn. In fact, thank you is a way of saying I love you.

SHOWING YOUR APPRECIATION

Mister Rogers showed us the importance of gratitude and modeled ways for us to express it. We watched him write notes of appreciation and thank his guests for sharing their talents. When Mr. McFeely delivered a surprise gift to Mister Rogersa marble sculpture from artist Allen Dwightwe saw Mister Rogers marveling at the art, examining it from all directions. I like the way it feels, he said. I like the way it looks; I like the way I feel when Im looking at it. You know, the thing I think I like best about it is that you and Mr. Dwight thought to give it to me. Every time I look at it, Ill think of the two of you.