Most of us remember Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood from when we were young parents, or when our kids were little, enthralled with the puppets and their interaction with “real people.” In this epic children’s TV program, which ran from 1968 until 2001, Fred Rogers worked very hard to encourage parents and other adults not to “dummy down” words, emotions, or music for children. He also wanted us all, starting with the children, to be kind and treat everyone as important and equal. Using puppets and “guests,” Rogers taught kids, and adult, how to interact positively with others and connect emotionally as well.

As the Washington Post once noted, Rogers taught young children about civility, tolerance, sharing, and self-worth “in a reassuring tone and leisurely cadence.” His program taught what it means to be a neighbor by modeling acceptance of those around us and their differences culturally, physically, and intellectually. Everyone has something that validates who they are and how they are special, and each of us responds to our surroundings uniquely.

“Rogers [spoke often] about the complicated feelings every person has, from childhood on. He admits to his own anger and confusions [as a child] and notes that he was able to express these through music (perhaps, giving a reason as to why his show’s theme song is so nuanced and even epic).

‘Music was my first language. I was scared to use words… I didn’t want to tell people that I was angry. But I could show it through the way I would play on the piano,’ Rogers said. “I could literally laugh or cry or be very angry through the ends of my fingers.’” (https://americansongwriter.com/behind-the-song-wont-you-be-my-neighbor/)

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood theme song: 

It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood,

A beautiful day for a neighbor.

Would you be mine?

Could you be mine?

I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you,

I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.

So let’s make the most of this beautiful day,

Since we’re together we might as well say,

Would you be mine?

Could you be mine?

Won’t you be my neighbor?

Won’t you please,

Won’t you please?

Please won’t you be my neighbor?

*Lyrics to “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” by Fred M. Rogers. © McFeely-Rogers Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

This simple song seems to sum up an entire lifetime of being a neighbor. And not just a neighbor, but a good neighbor to everyone. We have wonderful examples all around us; Fred Rogers was only one of many. But what a great model of a real neighbor he was for us all. Let’s not forget how to be a good neighbor. Let’s practice.