Ten years ago we lost a national treasure. Mister Rogers, the gentle neighbor that many of us grew to adore, ended his battle with stomach cancer a month before his 75th birthday. He passed on with his wife at his side and as news reached millions— the whole world mourned. Mister Rogers was venerated in cities and towns and in every heart by all who loved him.
Mister Rogers has fulfilled a promise to people, young and old alike, that he would respect us and not judge us in any way. He handled our children’s expectations with kid gloves and they respond with standing ovations. This mild-mannered gentleman also raised the bar for children’s television programming.
Mister Rogers set a priceless example of interactions with children for parents to follow. Speaking with children calmly and with compassion promotes unconditional love. Honoring their questions leads to understanding and acceptance. Mister Rogers showed us that valuing children is at the very core of a healthy family unit. He exuded warmth and kindness in all things. He was the same wise and gentle soul off camera as he was in the Neighborhood and he liked us just the way we are.
“If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.”
~Mister Fred Rogers, March 20, 1928 – February 27, 2003
Talk with a Volunteer or Find a Group in New Jersey:
Family Helpline
1-800-843-5437 or 1-800-THE-KIDS
Parents Anonymous® of New Jersey, Inc.
Phone: (609) 585-7666
Fax: (609) 585-7686
E-mail: PANJInfo@PAofNJ.org
Website: www.PA-of-NJ.org
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to