7 Life Lessons from Daniel Tiger

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daniel tiger

Most nights, to prepare dinner for my three kiddos, I wrangle them into the kitchen, lock the gate so no one can escape, and turn the TV on. As whine time begins, I let them choose the show they will watch to calm them down and keep them quiet. My 4-year-old often requests old-school Mickey Mouse, my 2-year-old son screams for Elmo, and my 2-year-old daughter demands Daniel Tiger. I hate to admit it, but Daniel Tiger is one of the only kid shows that I’ve actually found myself watching alone while my little ones have gotten distracted by something else.

Daniel Tiger is strangely likable (although it bothers me that he doesn’t wear pants). Daniel learns a lesson in every episode and shares what he’s learned with a super catchy tune. And yes, I know many of the lyrics and have found myself singing them to myself. BUT Daniel’s messages are powerful, and I have learned a lot from him…hopefully my kids have too! Here are seven important life lessons that I’ve learned from Daniel Tiger.

1. “When you don’t get what you want, stomp three times to make yourself feel better.”

It seems that I never get what I want! My kids never seem to listen to me, and the noise level at my house is insane. When no one wants to eat the dinner I’ve made or a puzzle has been dumped on the floor twice after I’ve cleaned it up, I feel myself start to lose my cool. All I want is for everyone to cooperate. I’ve actually stomped my foot, and surprisingly, they all froze…and for about five seconds, it worked, and I felt better. I guess for true results, I might have to actually stomp three times.

2. “So when you’re feeling frustrated, take a step back and ask for help.”

I get incredibly frustrated when I take my three little ones out in public alone. It can be unsafe depending on where we go, and I hate feeling unsafe! I’m their mother and should be able to care for them alone, but I can’t, so I’ve learned to ask for help. Family members and friends are always willing to help, so why not ask?

3. “There are lots and lots of feelings, and we can feel them all.”

I need to stop beating myself up for occasional negative thoughts about parenting. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve snapped and yelled at my kids for not listening and then felt like the world’s worst mother. However, in a matter of minutes, after a small hug or my big boy picking up his toys, I’m back to feeling in control and happy. Being a mom is definitely a roller coaster of emotions, and that’s okay!

4. “Saying I’m sorry is the first step, then how can I help.”

According to my husband, I am stubborn. And I will admit I’m not always the first person to say I’m sorry, even though I expect that of my children. I’ve learned that ‘I’m sorry’ isn’t always enough; it’s your actions. Is it fair to say that Daniel Tiger has helped my marriage?

5. “Close your eyes and think of something happy.”

I can’t tell you how often I do this throughout the day! Stuck in traffic, and I know I’ll be late for work – I close my eyes and think of summer at the beach. I stepped on another Lego in the middle of the night – I close my eyes and think of a chocolate fudge sundae. Hey, it’s better than shouting out a slew of bad words!

6. “Use your words and say how you feel. Most problems can be solved when you use your words.”

Words are powerful. We need to say what we mean and mean what we say.

7. “But sometimes we just have to cry, wha wha wha wha wha.”

Crying always seems to make me feel better (no judging). Whether it’s a full-out ugly cry after a big fight with my sister or happy tears from laughing too hard with my best friends, crying can be a huge release.

Wow, it’s pretty amazing how much that little tiger knows! Are there any other Daniel Tiger fans out there?

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Michelle
Michelle is the Owner and Editor of Fairfield County Mom and Westchester County Mom. She has spent her entire life in Fairfield County, growing up in Norwalk and now residing in Fairfield, CT. Michelle married her husband, Chris, in October 2008. Before motherhood, she thought she was busy, but now life with her son Shane (March 2011), twins, Blake and Brynn (June 2013), Hank the Lab, and Bruce the Frenchie; the meaning of hectic has been redefined! Michelle is also a working mom, teaching third grade at a local public school. When she’s not making lists, chauffeuring the kids, and doing laundry, Michelle enjoys standing along the sidelines cheering on her kids, lounging with a good book, eating dark chocolate, and sipping on some tequila.

4 COMMENTS

  1. I glad I’m not the only one who is bothered that he (and his dad!) don’t wear pants except for when they wear pajamas?!? It’s so strange! But it is such great show, and my daughter loves him unconditionally! 😉

  2. That’s Tigertastic! Sorry, I couldn’t resist! My 2 year old daughter LOVES Daniel Tiger. We always have at least 10 episodes on the DVR and I have the PBS app on my phone for long waits at places like the doctor.

  3. “Keep trying, you’ll get better!”

    “Try to solve the problem yourself and you’ll feel prou-ou-ou-oud!”

    Our current favorite: “When you have to go potty STOP and go right away. Flush and wash and be on your way!”

    My daughter sings these on a regular basis. Along with stomp 3 times. 🙂

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