Emotional intelligence – Examples of civility and caring

Remembering Mr. Rogers

Contexts – children are wired to learn by example:

Children learn a great deal from observing other people. Neurologists have discovered that humans have mirror neurons that direct imitative behaviors. This is why modeled conduct, adult actions, and exposure to examples of emotional intelligence are so very, very important to young children. As an educator knowing this I have grave concerns for today’s and tomorrow’s children over the current intensity of exposure to really negative role models, especially those in the media.

Current Social Culture:

Unfortunately, today American adults seem fascinated and amused by the antics of reality show stars, many of whom act like vulgar, shrewish fishwives, or crass, petulant, spoiled bullies. In my mind our collective fascination with these shows and the cult worship of their stars is not only pretty sickening, but also dangerous as we are inadvertently exposing our children to these types of “role models.” The degree to which fallout from these shows is leaching into the fabric of our social interactions is nothing short of catastrophic. I must ask, Is this really what we want our society to become? Is this really the way we want our children to learn to behave?

One of the things that radically marked Mr. Rogers from adults in general is he seemed to respect children’s intellect and their inherent sense of right and wrong. Positive role models help children develop social patterns that turn into lifelong values, reactions, and behaviors. Fred Rogers knew this, but others seem to be forgetting it.

In  ending, while I will undoubtedly continue to listen and watch world news and cringe at the endless examples of the worst in human behavior, I have made myself a vow. If I feel myself spiraling downward again, slipping over the edge into doom and gloom, I am going to try to remember Mr. Rogers, his songs and his messages. I will also try to remember this quote from him – There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.

Like Mr. Rogers and his legacy, I need to remember that I can make those memories and interactions ones that are positive. I can leave with others memories of, kindness, understanding, and simple consideration. After all it is about my individual force of will – and I too can choose civility and caring.

This excerpt was part of a much longer essay paying homage to  the late Fred Rogers read it at

Remembering Mr Rogers – A PDF Download of this post   ______________________________

More to Listen to and Watch:

The article originally appeared @ https://thesecondprinciple.com/2018/08/25/remembering-mr-rogers/