When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” –Fred Rogers
When I was little, one of the only shows my mother(a former teacher) let us watch was the Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. She loved how he didn’t promote a character but instead used quiet simplicity and gentleness while talking to us directly. I loved how normal he was, how he showed how to interact with friends, complete fun crafts and experiments. His voice was incredibly soothing and lessons that I learned from him I’ve carried with me to this day.
I grew up in a time where evil was surely present but indeed hidden. When school got tough and gangs became ever present we moved out to the suburbs. My mother uprooted our whole family, moving from the perfect house, so that we could live in a community and attend a school that was safe. Being emotionally safe and physically safe as a child is pivotal and I will be forever grateful that she took it upon herself to move us.
We grew up playing flash light tag outside with the neighborhood kids, kick the can, and of course the epic summer water fights are legendary. We played outside and were safe. All of our neighbors knew our names, watched out for us, and drove slow on the street-knowing that there were kids always out and about.
I am truly happy that we have found a safe community for our children.
I love our little cul-de-sac! Over Halloween our community was filled with houses that were “Boo”ed(you knock, then leave a small assortment of goodies and run away- then they “Boo” someone, and if you have been “Boo”ed already you put the little Boo Sign up on your door). All the festivity this year stems from one of my favorite ladies, she is a retired police officer- and a sweet, sweet woman. When we are playing outside she comes out to visit, and brings her sweet dog out to say “hi”. Raymond loves the extra attention she gives him and Emma Marie is slowly warming up to her big, sweet dog. We make sure to sweep back her rocks if say… a dump-truck attacks her yard.
She has asked us to watch her house for her. We make sure to retrieve her mail, take off door hangers(to not let others know she isn’t home), and to look after her precious dog. Reminds me of the good ol’ days when I was little and we trusted our neighbors, all of them. Feels really nice. #BeMyNeighbor
I hope you’re proud of yourself for the times you’ve said “yes,” when all it meant was extra work for you and was seemingly helpful only to someone else. – Fred Rogers
I am proud and excited to be a part of the launch of the Won’t You #BeMyNeighbor website from the Fred Rogers Company. Mr. Rogers’ legacy will live on and you can all be involved!
Mister Rogers began each program by asking viewers to be his neighbors. Now, we’re asking you to do the same! WontYouBeMyNeighbor.org is an amazing destination that celebrates neighborliness all across the country. You can share a special story about being a good neighbor or recognize someone else who has demonstrated neighborliness!
Submitting your stories for WontYouBeMyNeighbor.org is easy — simply post your story to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #BeMyNeighbor. Your stories will be shared on the site, inspiring others to do neighborly acts of their own!
#BeMyNeighbor Twitter Party Reminder
What: We are so excited join the Fred Rogers Company for a #BeMyNeighbor Twitter party as they launch the new Won’t You Be My Neighbor website! WontYouBeMyNeighbor.org is an amazing destination that celebrates good neighbors! You can share a special story about being a good neighbor or you can recognize someone else you’ve seen demonstrate neighborliness. Your stories will be shared on the site and inspire others to do neighborly acts of their own! Join us for the #BeMyNeighbor Twitter party to learn more ways you can do good in your neighborhood and share your own ideas with others!
When: TODAY-Wednesday, November 19 at 2 p.m. ET
Where: We’ll be on Twitter – follow the #BeMyNeighbor hashtag to track the conversation. You can see the details and RSVP via this Vite:http://vite.io/themotherhood
Hashtag: #BeMyNeighbor
Prizes: We will be giving away five prizes throughout the party for correct answers to trivia questions. Each prize pack includes a Mister Rogers quote book & t-shirt and a Daniel Tiger mini plush, book & DVD. Prizes are limited to U.S. participants only.
Hosts: @TheMotherhood, @TheMotherhood25, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann
Co-hosts: @MoreThanMommies, @DancingHotdogs, @DonnaChaffins, @EmilyARoach, @gogrowgo, @AsCuteAsBugsEar, @EatSleepBe, @JessicaMcFadd, @JustJillyBlog, @CoconutRobot, @2kidsandacoupon, @MyBaybah, @ohMariana, @PittMommyBlog, @Tiffanyblogs
Please join me TODAY- my twitter handle is: @AsCuteAsBugsEar.
I would love to see you involved and am proud to work with the Fred Rogers Company.
This post is brought to you by the Fred Rogers Company and The Motherhood. All opinions are my own.
