I finally hushed my fears and allowed myself to put my thoughts out for my first post.
Enter Inspiration #1: The Legendary Mr. Fred Rogers.
You may be thinking…huh, that’s random. Honestly, one research led to another and then another and all of a sudden, here I am reading about the life of and reminiscing about the positive impact Mister Rogers had on myself and the rest of the world watching him over three decades.
I always watched him as a kid and am only now realizing, as a parent, how impactful and wonderful his show and messages conveyed really are and how the life he lived molded and changed lives. And I guess it even stuck with me throughout the years. That’s the thing about growing up – we don’t realize until we grow up – that the things taught to us as a child tend to stay with us and as we grow, they become instilled into you and the impact and life lesson truly shows itself once the given situation arises. But a lot of times, bad situations happen without your permission, when you least expect them and you don’t know how to deal, especially if you’re young and already having a whole world of emotions you’re trying to understand. Which is why Mister Rogers focused on love, positivity and being kind set in a helpful and loving community where everyone had a part and every part was important. And the children watching were the most important part of this neighborhood and spoken to as such. Everyone was equal and worked together to create a harmonious community. And not everyday was sunshine and butterflies either – he spoke to children about death, divorce and hard life situations that are often times unavoidable and how to deal with the emotion surrounding them. And then I got emotional…and wondered why isn’t there anything like that nowadays? And how sad that there isn’t another like him (I mean really, there can never be another him – this man was genuine and kind and basically a freakin’ saint), but then realized that’s why I loved Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood so much. It was the closest thing to him and reminded me of his teachings and is my go-to for my children and myself. Which again, through accidental research, I found out was created by his son as an ode to his father. Poetic. No wonder…DUUUUH!! Daniel and friends were original characters in his show that were portrayed as his puppets. It was totally a “A-HA” moment quickly followed by a ‘D’OH” moment and then I got filled with some comfort. Because let me tell you, that tiger sure helps me deal with the emotions and feelings of my two young girls. From first day of school jitters to controlling your mad, Daniel has a scenario and solution for it all that helps all of us handle these trivial (to us) yet monumental stepping-stones for our children.
So with all that said, as I’m falling head over heels in awe with this man’s way of teaching to children and his genuine passion for the mental health of these children who he knew will be growing up into adults, I stumbled upon another fact: Not only does 2018 mark the 50th anniversary of when Mister Rogers Neighborhood first aired, but also a movie is being released this year about his life and he will be played by my favorite actor, Tom Hanks! Not only that, but February 27 also happens to be the day we lost our beloved neighbor in 2003 – 15 years ago TODAY. Whoa. I quieted my mind and collected my thoughts as I HAD to publish my first post, which happens to be about the the man who inspired me to do so and inspiration struck a few days before his death anniversary. And so I set out to make sure it was published by his death anniversary or at least during the week he is being honored by PBS. His show is playing ALL WEEK to celebrate his life and pioneering work as an educator. I meeeaaaan…Faith has stumbled upon my door. Amirite?! Ok, the Tom Hanks part is just an added bonus to my epiphany, but talk about getting the answer and relief to my self-doubt and fear. If this reaches no one, at least it is an ode to a wonderful teacher who had such a passion for children’s well-being and fought so hard for it.
So why should I be fearful of talking about spreading love, nurturing OUR children and bringing awareness to OUR community about the simple act of kindness and humanity? Why should I even hesitate to write tips about topics that have been asked of me by family and friends alike that it inspired me to share them publicly as it may help someone else regardless of them being a perfect stranger? A fellow neighbor, perhaps? Why shouldn’t I try to help, inspire, teach, nurture and love everyone’s children as though they are my own? Because the world is so cold? Because people will think I’m a granola crunching freak? Or even worse – a bad influence for putting such thought of unity and raising our kids to be good neighbors to one another; to be kind and be part of a community rather than just watching out for our own. We all want the best for our children. I know I sure as hell do. I want to know that when my children go to school, they are among peers who have some of the same values human kind shouldn’t be without. Kindness. Positivity. Emotional stability. Or at the very least know about it. Because you can’t unknow what you know. And I will do absolutely everything I can to provide just that. Our job, as parents, is to raise our kids to be responsible, fully functioning adults in this big, scary world. They are meant to leave the nest. And everyday you hear about new shootings, massacres, gun laws, etc – it’s draining, sad and disturbing. It fucking sucks. And it’s where we’re sending our kids off into. Education is so important and they say everything starts at home, but if we can help our children deal with problems and feelings that may stem from home or their everyday little lives as little children, maybe just maybe, we can help spread the message outside of our homes to those other children that need to hear it too. Just like Mister Rogers did. Because busy. We’re all busy. TOO busy. And then social media babysits the kids and we don’t realize how impactful these outside forces are. But they don’t have to be all bad. I choose to be an outside force of good and love and attempt to help children and parents navigate their feelings as they figure out themselves and the world beyond. Because a lot of times, we get so busy with our busy and quality time gets lost in the internet, tv and whatever else. Every family has a different dynamic, but everyone can use some help. That’s why we have so many groups for everything under the sun and the famous saying of “it takes a tribe” to help with raising children.
We can’t do it all. We need to help each other. We need to grow together and teach our children the simple act of kindness and importance of human relationships. Not hate, jealousy and chasing bling-bling. I choose to be a force in the movement of caring for one another and going back to the core of building good community and just trying to make the world a safer place for our children. After all, we are the ones sending them off into this world with other children – wouldn’t you want those children to treat your child with the same kindness, love and acceptance? I’m not talking about sitting at a fireside singing camp songs, but just to fucking respect each other. And each other’s lives. And bodies. And so on. Mister Rogers knew what he was doing and saw this media frenzy coming and chose every second of everyday to show acts of kindness to those around him regardless of what anyone thought because he believed that’s what children needed. And they do. We do. And along this journey, I’ll share tips and advice just like how I found them that helped me as my way of paying it forward. I’ll also share whatever findings I come across that work or may not work and will probably throw in some bitching and venting posts too along the way, but hey…motherhood, right? And I hope you choose to read on and stay along this journey with me. I’m not sure yet of what will come of it, but not trying is way worse than failing. I choose hope for our children who will grow into our helpers and leaders of tomorrow.
So I’ll sign off with this little tidbit Mr. Rogers used to win over the US Senate in his fight to save PBS against proposed budget cuts:
“What do you do with the mad that you feel? When you feel so mad you could bite. When the whole wide world seems oh so wrong, and nothing you do seems very right. What do you do? Do you punch a bag? Do you pound some clay or some dough? Do you round up friends for a game of tag or see how fast you go? It’s great to be able to stop when you’ve planned the thing that’s wrong. And be able to do something else instead ― and think this song ―
“I can stop when I want to. Can stop when I wish. Can stop, stop, stop anytime … And what a good feeling to feel like this! And know that the feeling is really mine. Know that there’s something deep inside that helps us become what we can. For a girl can be someday a lady, and a boy can be someday a man.” ~ Mr. Fred Rogers
Watch the video here:
Rest in Peace, Mister Fred Rogers. Your legacy lives on. And fun fact: will also be a stamp! 😊
I would love any feedback, comments or possibly high-fives you would like to share!
Sending good vibes only and always,
juggerMOM
juggermom.com 
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