People once again turned to Fred Rogers’ timeless wisdom, as they talked with their children about the devastating news from Haiti.  Fred’s suggestion “Look for the helpers” was recently cited as “Possibly the best pieces of advice” by an expert on the impact of media images on children.

In last month’s article titled “Images from Haiti,” psychologist Kathy Becker-Blease, an expert in child trauma including the impact of media images, wrote:

“Possibly the best pieces of advice I’ve heard came from Fred Rogers, of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, who said that when watching such disasters with children, point out the helpers, not just the victims…There aren’t many disasters where that wouldn’t apply, and children can relate to heroes and not obsess quite so much with the dead and dying.”

Of course, Fred Rogers had a long history of helping children and families through difficult times. He was acutely aware of the need for children to feel safe and secure in the world around them, and the Neighborhood was a sanctuary for every viewer.

Beyond the Neighborhood, Family Communications has produced materials for children, families and professionals who live in environments that are unstable or unpredictable.

Safe Havens, developed in partnership with the Child Witness to Violence Project, is a professional development workshop designed to help teachers and child care providers support children who witness violence in their communities.

Scenes from a Shelter, developed in partnership with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, consists of video and print materials that can serve as a tool for teachers, counselors, children’s advocates and other adults who work with children from homes where there is violence. 

Fred Rogers reminded us to let children know that there are always people who are helping. We hope the materials we have produced will help "the helpers" in the challenges of their work with children. 

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