How Daniel Tiger has made me a better parent.

So if you're anything like me, you've probably spent more time than you care to admit watching your kids' favourite TV shows with them. And while some of these shows may seem like mindless entertainment, I've actually discovered that there's a lot we can learn from them - especially when it comes to parenting. And today’s parenting success is the realisation that I've definitely picked up some valuable lessons from "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood".

I've found that some of the show's catchphrases have become standard elements of my parenting routine. If I was the sort of person to get embarrassed, breaking out into song to "flush and wash and be on your way" in a public toilet would probably be a trigger, but the truth is, these little phrases really do work. They help our kids communicate their feelings, find the positive in tough situations, remember the steps in a process and manage their emotions. And hey, if singing and dancing along to a kids' show is what it takes to be a good(ish) parent, then I'm all for it.. 

“Flush and wash and be on your way”

This simple and catchy tune is a great way to remind kids of the steps they need to take after using the toilet. 

“Use your words”

When our kids are feeling overwhelmed, we'll remind them to "use your words", (invisible microphone not essential) like we're channeling our inner Daniel Tiger.

“Take a deep breath and count to 4”

“When you feel so mad that you want to roar, take a deep breath…and count to four” I think it’s the ROARRRR part of this that distracts our kids, but hey, it works so it’s staying!

“Growns up come back”

Another lesson that "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" emphasizes is the idea that grown-ups always come back. This one hits a little closer to home for me, because as a working mom, I often feel guilty about leaving the kids. But the show's reminder that "grown-ups come back" is a powerful one - it helps me remind them that I’ll come back, every time. 

So, while I may not be winning any awards for my parenting skills, I'm grateful for the lessons that "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" has taught me. And if you're anything like me, you might just find yourself singing along to the catchy little tunes and using those silly catchphrases in your own parenting routine. And that's okay - because at the end of the day, all that matters is that we're doing our best to raise these lovely little humans.

We watch Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood on Netflix.