Happy Wednesday!
Yesterday’s post was on the topic of reducing constant distraction in order to have time for wonder and reflection.
In Amy Hollingsworth’s book, The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers, she shares what she believed to be the “essence of his success.” She writes, “He was a television icon who avoided the “constant distraction” of television. Instead, he opted to read.”
Without a doubt, if any of us have have any memories of the television show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, than we are sure to have memories of the popular Sesame Street show. How could I forget the entertaining duo – Bert and Ernie? I have many fond memories of the quirks and silliness of Sesame Street and have shared the show with my kids as well.
Let’s see how these two shows compare when analyzed from a psychological point of view, however. Hollingsworth states “Yale psychologists comparing Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to Sesame Street discovered that children were better able to follow the stories on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood than the faster-paced, hip and hip-hopping world of Sesame Street. Another study concluded that Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood led to an increase in ‘tolerance of delay,’ meaning that children in the study who watched the program were more likely to be patient in waiting for materials or for an adult’s attention.”
It’s interesting to consider the psychological comparison of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Sesame Street, and I believe it makes sense. I still like both of them. Even though we will continue to enjoy Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Sesame Street in our home, the old-fashioned BOOK still trumps all television shows for us. May it be said of us, just as it was for Mister Rogers: WE OPTED TO READ.
But in all things, balance is important. That’s wisdom from my grandma for ya’!
Thanks for stopping by for another NUGGET! See you tomorrow…