It’s a Beautiful Day for a Neighbor

When it comes to talking to children, the one person I always look to for advice is Fred Rogers. His wise words live on in many forms and are still relevant today.

Below are some of his quotes that I find helpful when working with children. He reminds me to enjoy every moment and remind them just how special they are.


"Parents are like shuttles on a loom. They join the threads of the past with threads of the future and leave their own bright patterns as they go."


"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."


"There are three ways to ultimate success:

The first way is to be kind.

The second way is to be kind.

The third way is to be kind."


"There's no 'should' or 'should not' when it comes to having feelings. They're part of who we are and their origins are beyond our control. When we can believe that, we may find it easier to make constructive choices about what to do with those feelings."


"It always helps to have people we love beside us when we have to do difficult things in life."


"You know, I think everybody longs to be loved, and longs to know that he or she is lovable. And, consequently, the greatest thing that we can do is to help somebody know that they’re loved and capable of loving."


"The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self."


"Love and trust, in the space between what's said and what's heard in our life, can make all the difference in the world."


You can find out more about the extraordinary Fred Rogers by visiting The Fred Rogers Center, opens a new window and the Fred Rogers Company, opens a new window. His newsletter archives are available at The Neighborhood Archive, opens a new window.