Helping children learn about health education begins with helping them feel good about themselves on the inside. When children feel good about who they are, they are more likely to take care of their bodies. Whether Mister Rogers says it or sings it, he continually helps children appreciate their own bodies and how they grow, inside and out.

Modeling Healthy Habits

It is important to model healthy habits. As with most things, attitudes about health care are more "caught than taught." Children learn best from example, and they can be encouraged to think about health and safety issues in their own lives when they see Mister Rogers brush and floss his teeth, wash his hands, and wear safety gear when biking or skating.

Fred Rogers himself was a vegetarian and health-conscious, and so when he was writing the scripts, it was natural for him to choose healthy and nutritious foods that would be presented in Brockett's Bakery, in factory trips to see how people make foods, or in visits with special guests.

Medical experiences

As a pioneer in using television for medical "field trips," Fred Rogers has helped children be prepared for those potentially scary experiences. A visit to the dentist is featured in this week of programs. The Neighborhood library also includes a visit to the pediatrician, eye doctor, getting an immunization, the emergency room (helping children deal with x-rays and getting stitches), and seeing what's in an ambulance.

When Mister Rogers reassuringly takes children through medical experiences, he asks the health care professional to explain procedures and equipment. As in the message of his Neighborhood song, "I Like to Be Told," he lets children know that whatever is mentionable can be more manageable.

Seeing that their television friend, Mister Rogers, has a warm relationship with doctors, nurses, dentists, and paramedics with whom he visits, children can come to think of these "community helpers" as caring extensions of their family.

Value of Play

Along with medical "field trips," Mister Rogers often suggests play activities about medical caregivers and their work. Through play, children can feel more in control and less helpless, and therefore, better able to manage when they're being examined by the doctor or dentist.

Whether indoors, out-of-doors, or on field trips, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood gives special attention to presenting health care messages in ways that young children can understand and use. We hope that you, as a child care provider, will find that these ideas help you open doors to your own discussions and provide play opportunities for the children in your care.

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