“The world needs a sense of worth, and it will achieve it only by its people feeling that they are worthwhile.” — Fred Rogers
Fred Rogers understood the power of media to nurture, teach, and connect. His gentle wisdom shaped generations of children, not just through Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, but through the enduring lessons of kindness, empathy, and community. He was a passionate advocate for public broadcasting, famously testifying before Congress in 1969 to help secure its future.
His legacy lives on in the programs that continue to teach children these same values—whether through Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Donkey Hodie, or the many other PBS KIDS shows that encourage curiosity, compassion, and connection.
Continue below to explore how Mister Rogers’ lessons still resonate today and how small, everyday actions—like practicing kindness and building relationships—can help create a stronger, more caring world.
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Parenting Tips From Fred Rogers & PBS KIDS
There Are Many Ways to Say “I Love You”
Grades PreK-K
Finding small moments throughout the day to do something together is one way to say, “I love you.” Here are six grr-ific ways to say “ugga mugga,” inspired by Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
“We Can Do Hard Things:” Building Resilience in Kids | Donkey Hodie
Grades PreK-K
Childhood is all about growing, on the outside and inside. Tasks adults take for granted — like buttoning a jacket — require practice to master. Every time our kids work through these big and small challenges, they are building their skills for resilience and perseverance. These aren’t fixed traits that kids are born with. Rather, they develop slowly through life experience, practice, and with the support of caring adults. Here are four ways parents and caregivers can support this vital effort to help kids build perseverance and resilience.
How “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” Can Help Parents and Grandparents
Grades PreK-3
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is purposefully and intentionally designed to help not just children but all of the caring adults in a child’s life. Here are three ways caregivers can use Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood to support kids.
Your Favorite Songs From “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”
Grades PreK-3
The songs from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood have supported children in managing feelings, anxiety, and so much more for 10 years! Even parents and caregivers have learned a lot from these simple tunes. Celebrate 10 years of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood with these fan favorites and find out what parents are saying about them!
Help Build a Kinder, More Caring World
Kindness in the Classroom
Grades PreK-K
Kindness in the Classroom is a multi-part video series designed to give educators insight into the positive impacts of teaching mindfulness in a classroom setting. The series focuses on implementing the Kindness Curriculum; a free 24-lesson mindfulness guide designed for pre-k and kindergarten classrooms, researched and developed by the Center for Healthy Minds at UW-Madison.
How to Raise a Caring Child
Grades PreK-5
Teaching our kids to care is one of our most important jobs as parents. It takes time and lots of practice to learn kindness. When we show kindness by example and also address the barriers to kind action, we help our kids learn to make caring choices.
Raising Includers: 5 Tips to Help Your Kids Be Kind and Compassionate
Grades PreK-5
When kids learn to empathize with others and show compassion for their peers, being an “includer” becomes automatic. Here are five ways to help your child learn to include others.
Cultivating Good Neighbor Skills | Virtual Professional Learning Series
Grades K-5
Explore the “Core Competencies” of social emotional learning with these videos in the Virtual Professional Learning Series on PBS LearningMedia. Themes include developing childrens’ self-awareness and self-management, social awareness and responsible decision-making, and their ability to cultivate healthy relationships and interpersonal skills.
Activities, Recipes & More
Neighbor Day Game
Grades PreK-K
How can you be a good neighbor? Play the interactive Neighbor Day game and explore all of the different ways you can be a good neighbor, just like Daniel Tiger!
Art Pals Game | Donkey Hodie
Grades PreK-K
Donkey Hodie and her pals are making art projects from materials found Someplace Else. As they play and create their art projects, children practice collaboration, cooperation and perspective-taking.
Kindness Sweaters
Grades PreK-2
Celebrate kindness with these 10 grr-ific ideas! Print out this Daniel Tiger activity sheet and try them all!
Make Daniel Tiger Banana Swirl
Grades PreK-3
Invite your child to take a break and help you in the kitchen to make a delicious banana swirl treat. Set up the ingredients in your kitchen and help your child follow the directions.
13 Children’s Books That Celebrate Different Ways to Show You Care
Grades PreK-4
Reading can help kids celebrate the different ways people express their love. We’ve gathered some children’s books that show everyday acts of love and kindness. Visit your local library to enjoy these books that share special ways to show friends, family, and your community that you care.
Make a Coupon Book to Give As a Gift
Grades K-3
Encourage your child to perform acts of kindness by creating a coupon book to show they care. They can give each coupon to a family member or friend as a gift!