MINIMIZING COS
Fred Rogers may have passed away in 2003, but the world he created remains with us. In 2018, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” documented his life and outlook, and in 2019, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” depicted Rogers and the journalist whose life was changed by the star of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” These movies demonstrate that we’re still fascinated with the man behind Daniel Tiger and King Friday. Why? In part because the lessons Rogers so thoughtfully depicted are as relevant for today’s generation as they were for those who grew up watching his show. Imaginative play is a foundation of childhood. “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,” Rogers said. Rogers knew that play, which can seem inconsequential to grown-ups, is an important part of childhood development. Imaginative play allows children to step outside of their own perspective and experience another. In the process, they engage in abstract thinking and expand their universe. Mr. Rogers encouraged viewers to use their imaginations by creating a fantastical world called the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. We all deserve to be loved. Rogers knew that not everyone has someone at home who tells them that they are special and loved. So he took it upon himself to tell viewers, ending each episode of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” by saying, “You’ve made this day a special day by just your being you.” Feelings are mentionable and manageable. Rogers helped viewers understand that it’s okay to feel mad, sad, and scared, and he helped countless children learn healthy ways to cope with tough emotions. This was a mission dear to his heart. Margaret McFarland, a child psychologist at the University of Pittsburgh who became the chief psychological consultant for “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” shared with Rogers the concept he turned to again and again on the show: “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and whatever is mentionable can be more manageable.”
Last month we talked about liability: Who is liable when your teen driver gets into an auto accident? It’s not always a cut-and-dry situation. Here is what you can do to protect yourself and your minor children following an accident when that accident may have been caused by your child who is under 18: Always purchase and maintain liability insurance and make sure that your licensed children are included in your policy. That way, if your child is involved in a wreck, then your minor child will be covered under your automobile policy. Some insurance companies will allow you to exclude drivers like your minor children. I would NEVER exclude any drivers, even if it will cost you a little more in premiums every month. Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish.
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Set in WWII Germany, “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak is the story of an orphaned girl whose adoptive family hides a Jewish boy in their basement. It’s a sad and poignant story of discovery, love, loss, and resilience in inhuman conditions. “Jojo Rabbit,” directed by Taika Waititi, is a witty story of a German boy who has been brainwashed by Nazi propaganda. When he discovers his mother has been hiding a pretty Jewish girl in the attic, he must struggle with his own perceptions of reality. These types of stories can help put your own feelings into perspective. We will get through this. This is what Americans do. This is what El Pasoans do — just like we did after the tragedy on August 3, 2019. Even though Harmonson Law Firm’s purpose is to help good people who have been injured in bad accidents, we are here for you for whatever you may need. Please reach out to me if you have any legal questions that have arisen as a result of the current crisis whether it be a question about family law, bankruptcy, employment issues, or something else. I know a little about a lot and can point you in the right direction no matter what the legal issue may be.
You can explore more of Mr. Rogers’ enduring messages at MisterRogers.org. Share “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” with your children and show them a world where they can grow, learn, and play.
Photo: wikimediacommons_François Clemmons
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