Mr. Rogers & Daniel the Tiger

As a child of the late 70's in Pittsburgh, I watched Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood every single day.  It was a part of my daily routine-- wake up, eat breakfast, brush teeth, turn on WQED to watch Mr. Rogers.  I loved everything about that show-- the songs, the speedy deliveries, the videos, the fish, the trolley, Henrietta Pussycat, the land of make believe.  You name it; I loved it.

You can only imagine my delight when my own two young children discovered Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood last year.  For 30 minutes a day, I am transported back to some of my best childhood memories.  My children walk around singing little ditties like "Grown-Ups come back" and "When we do something new, let's talk about what we'll do."  They love Tigey, Prince Wednesday and the rest of the crew.  In addition to the beautiful animation, this show is teaching the same life lessons that I learned from Mr. Rogers 30 years ago.  It doesn't get any better than that.

As an early childhood educator, I have developed a deep fondness and respect for the work Fred Rogers did to improve television programming and life, in general, for young children.  What a kind and thoughtful pioneer he was.  Mr. Rogers shared so many words of wisdom that resonate with me, and I hope they do with you too.

"It's such a good feeling to know you're alive.  It's such a happy feeling.  You're growing inside.  And when you wake up ready to say, 'I think I'll make a snappy new day.'  It's such a good feeling, a very good feeling."

Did you grow up with Mr. Rogers Neighborhood too, or are your kids fans of Daniel?