Caring Through Simple Interactions

Fred Rogers is a great model for how caring adults can build trusting relationships with young people. His work and care helped inspire the Simple Interactions approach developed by Dr. Junlei Li. This approach, also based in research, focuses on everyday interactions between youth and adults as a way to build meaningful relationships. These simple interactions can mean a lot.

To make sure that we're embracing Mister Rogers' way, take time to reflect on the day-to-day interactions you have with young people. What went well? How could you have been more mentor-like? Did this interaction model the kind of trusting relationship you want to have? It's important that we take time for reflection in order to continuously improve and support young people the best that we can.

Fred Rogers was so caring and mentor-like in his simple interactions with youth.  For years, parents, educators and other caring adults have learned from him and emulated what he did. But how do his methods translate to today - a digital age that's very different for young people than the one Mr. Rogers worked in?  

Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski have teamed up to write When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids.  In it, they explore how we can use Mister Rogers' incredible "tools for learning" today. Click here to pre-order the book, which will be released on April 20th!