Mr. Rogers Parenting Resource Book

by Fred Rogers

Two essential guides for parents, The Mister Rogers Parenting Book and Mister Rogers’ Playtime , are combined into one essential, value-priced volume. Written by the late Fred Rogers, one of the most trusted names in children’s television, these award-winning titles provide an authoritative and encouraging reference for concerned parents. Informed by a lifetime of study in child development and years of communicating with children, this incredible resource addresses many parenting situations, from everyday concerns like a dentist’s visit to such challenges as divorce and death. It also draws on Mister Rogers’ unique experiences with child’s play, presenting more than 80 activities that any adult can happily engage in with preschoolers. All in all, it’s a perfect gift for any new parent.

Genres: Parenting, Childrens, Nonfiction, Education, Family

255 pages, Hardcover

First published May 10, 2005

About the author

Fred McFeely Rogers was an American educator, minister, songwriter, and television host. Rogers was the host of the television show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, in production from 1968 to 2001. Rogers was also an ordained Presbyterian minister.

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet and thoughtful resource book. I wished I read this before kids, though it’s nice to know that I’ve figured out many suggestions and thoughts Mr. Rogers wrote in his book. I loved how the book was sectioned off into various topics to guide parents in almost every aspect of raising a child. Each section was short, sweet and written in a kind, calming way.

I did appreciate the discussion of death since that’s one I haven’t needed to discuss yet with my kids. With lines such as, “I hope to be alive for a long, long time. And no matter what, there will always be someone to take care of you”, “No one knows for sure, but I believe…”, and “I wonder about that, too” (the last two in regards to what happens after death), I feel at least I have some guidance when this life event eventually occurs.

The other half of the book had some really fun and cute idea to do with children, which I’ve snagged a few to try! What a wonderful resource!

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Fred Rogers parenting book. It is simple, direct, patient, kind, and rooted in a lot of knowledge about child development that he makes no effort whatsoever to show off. As an exhausted, stressed-out parent, this book is pretty much perfect.

[Emily D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Rogers is just such a caring person who understands children so well. The first half of this book is divided into sections on how to deal with big issues like moving, introducing new siblings, pets, potty training, etc. This book doesn't go into great detail, but it explains what an ideal attitude in parents should be towards their children, and ways that parents can help their children cope and express their feelings in healthy ways. Mr. Rogers does a great job of explaining to parents a child's viewpoint, and how it differs from an adult's viewpoint. For instance, when a parent sees a child playing rough with a doll, or crashing cars together, this might seem aggressive and make the adult uncomfortable. However, Mr. Rogers explains that these are actually healthy ways for children to express frustration, fear, or anger, and that playing out their feelings on toys allows them to release those feelings without hurting an actual person.
There are so many other great tidbits of advice in this book and I highly recommend it to parents and grandparents. The second half of the book is simple activities to do with your child that promote creativity and imagination while using simple objects around the house. I skimmed this section but will be referring back to it in a year or two when my child is at an age where these activities will be most appreciated and useful.

[Four Season Reader-Carrie Nordberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who is excited for the Tom Hanks movie coming out this month? “Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is the highly anticipated movie about my childhood television friend, Mr. Rogers.
As I got older, and had my children of my own, I read fondly books like this one, “The Mr. Rogers Parenting Book- Helping to Understand Your Young Child”, by Mr. Rogers. Filled with great and insightful ideas to assist parents during activities such as mealtime, making friends, and bedtime, this book had the same feel as the television show that ran for 33 years on Public Broadcasting Services (PBS).
With Helpful Hints and discussion on tough topics like divorce and dealing with death, this book can provide a friend in your home just as Mr. Rogers had done in his own neighborhood.

[Mélanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. Great advice from an amazing person.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes parents find they are lost in a harsh world just trying to protect their children. The author is a calm voice with some good resources to help all out.

[Hayley Brentmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Mr Rogers! Unfortunately this wasn't really a good book to get from the Library. Rather it would be better to own and have around the house. It's a reference book that offers simple ideas and solutions for how to approach many of the common challenges of parenting.

[Kristen Gurri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, now I've gone full circle with Mr. Rogers. Good old Fred. Good book.

[Brigid · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is definitely helpful in some ways, but I think it was more for first time parents.

[Autumn Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't even have children but, when I do I will count on Mr. Rogers to guide me. This book is a valuable resource for parents and teachers.

[Dagny · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? Fred Rogers was a genius.

[Licia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for first time parents. Lots of great play ideas in the back.