Hello Neighbor. It is good to say hello to our neighbors. I mean this figuratively, in a way. You see, we are all neighbors. We share this big avenue called Earth. All the comings and goings. We are all in this together. So we should probably say “hello” to those we meet from time to time.
Yes. It is good to give a little time to those in the world around us, even if it is a nod or a smile. Maybe it is a hug.
One such person who did just this was Margaret McFarland. Good Margaret was an American child psychologist. But her big claim to fame? She was a key figure in shaping the philosophy of the acclaimed television show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Apparently, she worked with Fred Rogers throughout the duration of the show. Her job was to ensure the show was always based on the best present practice. Good for the kids (or adults) who might be watching.
McFarland earned a doctorate in psychology from Columbia University. She went on to build a successful career and became a prominent figure in child development. Subsequently, she co-founded the Arsenal Family and Children’s Center in Pittsburgh. The Care Center provided consulting services to families and children, as well as acting as a hub for research and training. Mental health and wellness for the children in the world.
She met Fred Rogers in the 1950s. That happened when she supervised his work for a course he was taking as part of his seminary education. They developed a professional relationship that lasted through the years. Pals. Cohorts. And both were interested in the goodness of children. As such, Farland consulted weekly on the content and wording of Rogers’ scripts.
She was known for insisting that children be treated with serious emotional respect, not talked down to. That philosophy became foundational to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
McFarland strongly believed that silence and pacing mattered. She said that children need time to process feelings. That’s part of why the show feels so unhurried compared to modern children’s TV.
She encouraged Fred Rogers to use simple, direct language when discussing difficult topics like death, anger, or fear. She suggested that these topics should never be avoided. But she also said these things should never feel overwhelming for the children, either.
I never knew this, but Fred Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister, and he saw the show as a form of ministry, though it was never overtly religious.
Together, I think they made a great team.
It is hard to believe that she was born over 100 years ago, on July 3, 1905. She hailed from Oakdale, Pennsylvania. And she stayed on this Earth for 83 years. She died on September 12, 1988.
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“Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people.” — Fred Rogers
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“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.” — Lucius Annaeus Seneca
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“The simple act of caring is heroic.” — Edward Albert
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