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Happy Father’s Day! Occasions such as this make me nostalgic. I think about my childhood and our traditions. Father’s day was always spent in relaxation, grilling steaks and veggies, baking berry crisps, swimming in the pool, playing wiffle ball, chasing dragonflies, playing tag in the meadow. Even now I can conjure the sounds and smells of Father’s day, juicy berries, yeasty wildflowers, buzzing and chirping creatures, sweet mint tea.
I know that many of you have already seen this video Garden of Your Mind, but I think it’s an appropriate nod to fathers everywhere, young and young-at-heart. Mister Rogers was an important influence in my childhood. He taught me how to tie my shoes, make pretend, and find good in everything–even caterpillars and rain puddles.
Children’s programs are simply not of the same high quality anymore. I miss the basic, everyday lessons of respect, fair play, peace. Maybe someday our culture will embrace the simplicity of life again, return to the importance of cherishing childhood rather than rushing it.
Enjoy!
Great post for the day. Even at the time, Mr. Rogers was so different from the cartoons of the day. A show that encouraged children to use their imaginations and brains? And with no commercials for sugar-filled cereals, candies, and drinks? Ah, what a breath of fresh air!
Hey JM, oh you’re so right. There was a string of such “healthy” programs: Sesame Street, Mr. Kangaroo, Electric Company, and of course, Mr. Rogers. Great fun. Thanks for commenting.
Mr. Rogers was my favorite as a small child. When he died (when my own children were young), I cried about it. He seemed so pure and wonderful. Thank heavens for positive role models like him.
Hi Anne, I know. When he died we lost a good one. I wish someone would have picked up where he left off.
Is he still alive? What a sweet time he gave my children.
Oops. I see Anne commented that he died. RIP. How did I miss that?
Hi Robin, Yes. he died in 2003. The remix (video) is something that just went viral.
I grew up watching Mr. Rogers too. Sigh I loved that show.
Hi Kourtney. Me too. It was one of the must-sees of our generation. Must-sees today are pop-eyed kids with magical powers saving the world. Bring back the Neighborhood.
Great post, Kate.
I try to cherish the times I have with my father, even if he does still treat me like a little girl, sometimes. (I think that’s just the nature of dads and daughters, though.)
You’re right about Mister Rogers, too. There’s a simplicity to childhood that today’s kids just don’t seem to get. I love the accessibility and relative freedom of the Internet and high-speed communication…but I think it’s leading to children growing up too quickly. They’re exposed to so much so young. Not that I think it’s good for children to be sheltered, per se, but a lot of the innocence is going away. The sad thing is that, as parents, there’s not much we can really do about it: they’re bombarded by information all day long.
And while my sister was the one who taught me to tie my shoes…she learned how from Mister Rogers, too.
Hi Mayumi, I totally agree with you in that children are growing up too quickly. I volunteer at my kids’ elementary school, and I see some 8-year-old girls wearing high heels and makeup. It’s revolting, to be honest. And you’re right–it doesn’t mean we have to shelter children, but we have to teach them to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of their lives *now* so that they aren’t in such a rush to grow up.
Big sisters are good like that, always stepping in when needed
Thanks for stopping by!
My kids were fans of Mr. Dressup – a sweet, quiet, talented artist who had a half hour show with a puppet named Casey. There was nothing flashy about him, yet he kept my daughters mesmerized =)
Neat! I’m glad to know there were other quality shows that focused on spurring kids’ imaginations. Thanks for sharing!