When I was a kid, life seemed much more simple. We didn't have things like school shootings and online bullying to contend with. We could walk home alone and play outside on our own without worrying about a neighbor reporting our parents to the police. And, of course, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was on TV. That comforting introductory song and the soothing voice of the show's sweater-wearing host were hallmarks of my childhood, and that of countless others who grew up to become parents like me.
We may have lost Mister Rogers in 2003, but his powerful and insightful words about people and our world live on. There is perhaps no better time to return to his wise words than right now, to help comfort our kids in an uncertain and often scary world. Here are nine quotes to share with your children in times of sadness, anger, and frustration, to give them hope for the future.