Episode 1471 - Bubbleland

Original Air Date: May 19, 1980

  

For details on Episode 1471, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Happenings...

Lots happening these days. Back on a regular schedule very soon. In the meantime, I've been working on putting together a definitive list of "Mister Rogers stuff." I'm talking books, music, toys, songs, lyrics, merchandise...  This blog seems to cover anything and everything but it would be nice to have a go-to list of everything that's out there (or ever been out there) when it comes to Neighborhood merchandise and the works of Fred Rogers.

Once I'm pretty comfortable with the list, I'll throw it out there for you all to add to with anything I've forgotten.

Don't worry, neighbors. You've not been forgotten. Daddy duties have taken much of my spare time lately but the blog will be back in full swing very soon. Hang in there...

Neighborhood Outtakes

As an April Fool's treat, the most recent edition of Family Communications' Neighborhood News included links to a rare look behind the scenes at a few humorous outtakes from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. In these clips, we see two entertaining examples of prop malfunctions and difficulties.

For those who may have missed it, here's another chance at seeing these fun clips. If you're not signed up to receive the monthly Neighborhood News from FCI, you can subscribe HERE.

Lady Elaine Fairchilde Plays the Accordian

Mister Rogers Puts Up a Tent

The New Baby [1985]

Wow...almost three weeks without a post! Not without good reason as my wife and I welcomed our second daughter on April 1st. Things are going well but there hasn't been much time for the blog lately. I've got a few ideas for getting back to regular posts very soon but in the meantime, I thought there was no time more appropriate than now to give a quick look at this book...

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The New Baby is a 1985 publication from the Mister Rogers' Neighborhood First Experiences series. In this book, real life photos are used to help young people feel more comfortable with any fears or reservations they may be feeling about a new addition to their families. Fred Rogers address parents as well:

For a firstborn child, the arrival of a baby brother or sister is almost sure to arouse mixed feelings. Along with all the excitement, suddently someone else is sharing the attention and love that the firstborn used to have all alone. When a child starts feeling unsure about his or her place in the family, that child sometimes reacts with outbursts of anger, baby talk, and other baby ways.

We can help our firstborns to accept a new baby by assuring them of their own special place in the family -- a place that no one else can ever take. We can assure them of our love by making special time for them alone with us and by encouraging them to talk about their feelings. And by helping our firstborns feel active and important in the care of the new baby, we can let them know how proud we are of the many ways they're growing.

Now, as a parent of two, I see the importance of a book such as this. Through its content, I am once again amazed by the connection Fred Rogers had with children.

For more on the New Baby, visit the Neighborhood Archive.