Until I had children, I had never heard of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. I assume this is true for most childless adults. Now, it seems that I eat, sleep, and breathe DT. I think everyone should too.
For those who are not aware, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is based on the PBS series, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The show follows Daniel as he learns skills that allow him to navigate social situations presented to young children in school and life (sharing, mistakes, disappointment, etc.). The skills are reinforced through song.
I can’t tell you how many times I have pulled out one of Daniel Tiger’s jingles during a toddler meltdown or even in a personal moment of weakness. He’s got an episode and a song for everything it seems, even potty training and becoming a big brother. (Check out this excellent parent guide that gives a rundown of many of the episodes.)
Here are some of my favorite DT songs:
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Grownups come back
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When you feel so mad that you want to ROAR,
Take a deep breath and count to four. 1…2…3…4
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You can take a turn, and then I’ll get it back
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Clean up, pick up, put away, clean up every day!
As a family, we have watched nearly all of the Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood episodes available to us several times. I don’t get sick of them, and I know the repetition helps to reinforce the valuable life skills Daniel Tiger is trying to impart. Plus, there are books, games, and all kinds of other Daniel items that help reinforce Daniel’s life skills and lessons.
While my son is slowly growing out of his obsession with Daniel Tiger, I still catch him singing the songs to himself as he washes his hands after using the bathroom or when I drop him off at school. I can’t wait for my daughter to be old enough to start to learn the skills and engage with the show- answering the questions Daniel Tiger asks and imagining with him.
