Who's Responsible? Mr Rogers? Mom? Dad?
A lead article in the Wall Street Journal by Jeffrey Zaslow is entitled, “ Blame It on Mr. Rogers: Why Young Adults Feel So Entitled.” Blame, in my dictionary uses words like censure, find fault with and reproach as a definition. I found it to be a strong statement about Mr. Rogers. Zaslow writes about college students demanding A’s, and the rise of narcissism due to excessive doting resulting in too many children who are rude, self-absorbed or disrespectful. He complains about parents saying, “Well, they’re just children.” A child psychiatrist, Alvin Rosenfeld, is quoted as saying it is crucial to talk to kids about their lives, and that dialogue can enrich the whole family. Dr. Rosenfeld encourages parents to talk about their own lives as well.
I think that is exactly what Mr. Rogers did. Mr. Roger not only listened to children, he told them about his day, his friends, his plans, and his problems. He talked about courage, love and discipline. For many children, Mr. Rogers was the only adult who did communicate.
I agree that we have young adults who feel entitled. I have watched children who have parents who try to be their best friends instead of being a friendly adult in the lives of children. David Walsh has a new book out called “NO.” Copies are flying off the shelves. Parents are excited to have permission to say no to their children. Good news travels fast!
Mr. Rogers is not the culprit. Children need consistent, present and predictable adults in their lives. Mr. Rogers was all of that, but he was only present 30 minutes a day. Although his message was important time with Mr. Rogers was minimal compared to time children should have been spending with caring live adults in their homes. He was clear that what mattered in life were not honors or prizes, but being trusted. His lessons were based in positive core values, compassion, and care. His message was not about hurrahs for actions done. He liked children for being there… not because of what they did.
I miss the quiet man in a sweater. I miss his messages during difficult times. Our young adults today might have been better off if their parents had joined them while watching Mr. Rogers. Mr. Rogers told children that they were loved - no matter what. He did not tell them do what ever they wanted - no matter what. He never said expect everything to come your way - no matter what. Mr. Rogers was a longed for parent for many who had parents who were too busy to be present, to reassure, and be stewards of relationships that mattered.
I think that is exactly what Mr. Rogers did. Mr. Roger not only listened to children, he told them about his day, his friends, his plans, and his problems. He talked about courage, love and discipline. For many children, Mr. Rogers was the only adult who did communicate.
I agree that we have young adults who feel entitled. I have watched children who have parents who try to be their best friends instead of being a friendly adult in the lives of children. David Walsh has a new book out called “NO.” Copies are flying off the shelves. Parents are excited to have permission to say no to their children. Good news travels fast!
Mr. Rogers is not the culprit. Children need consistent, present and predictable adults in their lives. Mr. Rogers was all of that, but he was only present 30 minutes a day. Although his message was important time with Mr. Rogers was minimal compared to time children should have been spending with caring live adults in their homes. He was clear that what mattered in life were not honors or prizes, but being trusted. His lessons were based in positive core values, compassion, and care. His message was not about hurrahs for actions done. He liked children for being there… not because of what they did.
I miss the quiet man in a sweater. I miss his messages during difficult times. Our young adults today might have been better off if their parents had joined them while watching Mr. Rogers. Mr. Rogers told children that they were loved - no matter what. He did not tell them do what ever they wanted - no matter what. He never said expect everything to come your way - no matter what. Mr. Rogers was a longed for parent for many who had parents who were too busy to be present, to reassure, and be stewards of relationships that mattered.
