Talking With A Neighbour

I referenced Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood in a post recently, and I’ve just been watching a full episode on YouTube. It’s quite soothing. His voice is gentle and kind, and there’s no flashing lights and CGI. There is imagination, and kindness. Also interesting lessons to learn!
I can’t think of a kids’ program today that is so simple, but with different layers. Admittedly, it’s been a long time since I watched shows for small children 🙂
I didn’t grow up watching this, as American kids seem to have, so I probably don’t have such a deep appreciation as I’ve seen in comments and articles online. What I have seen shows a kind, gentle man, who spoke to children with respect and helped them to navigate a sometimes scary and difficult world. I’m well past childhood and I felt soothed as I watched…
He spoke to children about real world problems, but in a way that they could understand, and speaking to the fears that a small child might have. Some of these are just as applicable today, whether about death,

divorce,

the violence on TV (with a little word to the adults),

or just the importance of recognising your own feelings, and apologising where necessary.

There’s also this clip, showing mothers breastfeeding, which I can’t see being filmed today… It’s a wonderful way to show children what breasts are for, though, without making it strange or uncomfortable.