General Discussion

…there weren’t many channels in our neighborhood…he was the least boring thing to watch after school…but I grew to love him and his simple message of kindness. He gave me comfort in those chaotic teenaged years. When I became an adult and had children of my own, my kids watched him. Instead of disciplining my children with hitting, like most parents in this southern culture, I used strategies he gave me. Singing “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood,” at the top of my lungs made my children behave IMMEDIATELY when we were in public. It even worked with their friends when they were with us. I’m not sure Mr. Rogers would have approved but to this day my kids love that song. He remains an enduring hero in our family.