Over more than 30 years Mister Rogers created a relationship with millions of children, each of whom felt like they were visiting with a trusted friend. Mister Rogers looked directly into the camera and sang and talked to each child watching. His radical kindness, acceptance, and empathy created a place that as TV Guide described: “… makes us, young and old alike, feel safe, cared for and valued… Wherever Mister Rogers is, so is sanctuary.”
Each “visit” starts with the donning of the sweater and sneakers signaling the transformation from Fred Rogers to Mister Rogers. That seemingly simple routine is part of a larger message and an invitation. The message: I care about you, no matter who you are and no matter what you can or cannot do. The invitation: Let’s spend this time together. We’ll build a relationship and talk and imagine and sing about things that matter to you.
Don’t be fooled by what appears on the surface to be a simple television show. There‘s a reason for everything Mister Rogers does, from taking off his jacket and putting on a sweater to using the Neighborhood Trolley to travel to Make-Believe.
I can’t leave now. Who will Mister Rogers talk to?
As a part of each visit, he shares people, places and things. He invites viewers to learn about something new or look deeply into something familiar. By sharing, he makes a personal connection. He’s brought something to show you.
Mister Rogers “takes us by the hand” and tells us where we are going. There are no unexpected surprises. All the transitions – from room to room, from place to place in the neighborhood, and especially to Make-Believe – are handled with purpose and care. Mister Rogers prepares children for what’s ahead, and afterwards reflects on where we’ve been and what we’ve learned. It’s one important way children know Mister Rogers cares about them and that they can trust him. And trust is the foundation for building relationship.
The thing about Mister Rogers is, he likes you just the way you are.
Although Mister Rogers offers a structured world to his visitors, he makes sure that there is also time to be playful together. After all, having fun together strengthens any relationship.
Goodbyes are hard for children, but the visit must end. So when it’s time for Mister Rogers to leave, he warmly prepares his viewers with care. Closing the circle, ending as he began, he sings as he changes his shoes and puts on his jacket. And he never leaves without a loving affirmation, “You’ve made this day a special day, by just your being you” and the assurance that “I’ll be back next time.” His closing message still resonates with the adults who were children once.
I’ll think of you when I’m not here,
because thinking of people makes them seem near.