Wow, I must feel really contemplative lately! One of Willa's shows these days is Daniel Tiger. It is probably my very favorite show for her to watch, too. Does anyone remember Mister Rogers Neighborhood? This show is an animated continuation of that world.
The music and the characters are very nostalgic to me. Things I never would have remembered - King Friday, Lady Elaine, Mr. McFeely. And the songs! I can't believe that the songs are still familiar 25 + years later.
So, I love it because it brings back so many memories. I also love it because I feel like it is the best preschool/toddler show out there. It deals with their feelings - disappointments, joys - so well. There is this episode about sharing toys. Someone took a toy that someone else wanted and they had to sort it all out. The adult said, "I can tell that you're mad MAD!" It was totally out of the book "Happiest Toddler On The Block" and it was totally age appropriate. Willa understands those feelings and I like that she can watch something that reflects her world and shows her possible solutions. I'm probably shamefully showing how much television Willa gets, which is more than she should have, but this show makes me so happy. There is another episode about being potty-trained and they start singing a song about going to the potty and stopping playing. Again, it is exactly what Willa experiences every day with her friends. Willa is such a cautious child so I think the show actually helps her process things that happen elsewhere and maybe prepare herself better when someone steals a toy from her or when she and a friend want to play together but can't agree on what to play.
Lastly, and I know this is weird, but I have so much admiration and love for Fred Rogers. The more I watch the show and the more I remember about Mister Rogers Neighborhood, I just realize what a wonderful person he was. He did amazing things and he loved children so much. I feel very corny admitting all of this, but at the same time I really feel strongly that he was inspired and that he has done so much good in the world for children.
When you have to go potty, STOP! And go right away! Flush and wash and be on your way!
ReplyDeleteI love Daniel Tiger too. Sometimes it's the only way we can get Parker to do things. When I start singing, "Clean up, pick up, put away. Clean up everyday!" he gets so excited and helps me clean up. Sometimes I make up songs and claim it's from Daniel Tiger. "Daniel Tiger loves to rinse, rinse, rinse his hair! We love being clean. La la la la."