Several months ago I watched the video of Mr. Rogers speaking to Congress to secure funding for PBS. The whole video is really moving but one part really struck me. It's a moment when he is describing the format of the show and that one of the most important parts is affirming to children that they are special, "you've made today a special day just by being you. There's no one in the whole world exactly like you and I like you just the way you are." I felt the significance of those words the moment he said them and I decided I would start saying them to my sons daily.
I'll confess, I've missed days, but I have remembered enough that they recognize it and chime in. I end it with a little tune from Daniel Tiger that goes, "I like you, I like you, I like you just the way you are," and they sing along. These are good moments for me as a parent because I take that time to think about what they did that day to make it special. Even on days that I want to hide in the bathroom, there is always something precious to think about and be thankful for. It makes me take stock of their own unique beauty.
Thank you, Fred Rogers, for your timeless wisdom.
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