won’t you be my neighbor?

It’s no small secret that we are huge Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood fans in our home. As a kid, I remember having my mom record – on a videotape, of course – the Mister Roger’s Specials. Anyone else remember Josephine the Short-Neck Giraffe?

I love the simplicity of Daniel Tiger episodes and the songs used to teach important lessons. From trying new foods, to being patient, to sharing, I love that kindness and good manners are strong messages taught through the episodes.

As a Pittsburgh dweller, it’s fun to know that this show and Mister Roger’s have such strong ties to this city! As Spring finally arrives and the nice weather decides to show up as well, I’m excited to continue teaching Harlow what it means to be a good neighbor. We love where we live in large part because of our neighbors — impromptu dinners, cookouts and backyard get togethers are the norm once the weather starts cooperating.

As Harlow gets older and is more aware of our neighborhood and the people we see, I’ve been thinking more and more about how to begin teaching her at a young age how we can care and love our neighbors. A few ideas that I’m planning on implementing this Spring:

• delivering “just because” baked goods to neighbors throughout the month.
• preparing care packages to stock in the car and stroller to give away to those in need.
• for me, be more intentional about meeting other parents at the park and playground.

I want to make these loving actions habits for our family — it’s one thing to talk about loving our neighbors, but it’s another thing to take the time to do it.

If you’re in the Pittsburgh area this weekend, you can join in the Be My Neighbor celebration at area YMCA’s! We will be attending the Thelma Lovette YMCA location on Centre Ave, but there are 3 other locations as well!

What exactly is this event?

United Way of Allegheny County, in partnership with The Fred Rogers Company and WQED, presents “Be My Neighbor Day.” On March 22, 2014, four YMCA locations across the Pittsburgh area will host a variety of fun, free, family-friendly activities to give children the opportunity to practice being neighborly. Daniel Tiger of the PBS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will make his first Pittsburgh appearance as part of the event. “’Be My Neighbor Day’ builds on the indomitable legacy of Fred Rogers, who for more than 40 years taught kindness, generosity and respect to thousands of children and families,” said William Isler, president, The Fred Rogers Company. “Like our new series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, this event embodies the values Fred stood for and carries his timeless message to a new generation of children.” Inspired by an episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, “Be My Neighbor Day” encourages neighbors to come together to help one another. Families will learn about acts of kindness, work together on craft projects to benefit their local communities, participate in YMCA Healthy Kids activities, and have the opportunity to meet Daniel Tiger.

Families are encouraged to bring new or gently worn sweaters to the event as well — in honor of Mister Rogers’ favorite attire, of course — to be given to families in need throughout the Pittsburgh region.

I hope to see you there! And keep asking me about our family’s goals!

xo

I’ve been asked to be an ambassador for Be My Neighbor Day in conjunction with The Motherhood. All excitement, opinions and goals are my own.