Here are two clips from a recent episode of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood that introduces Chrissie, Prince Wednesday’s six-year-old cousin. Chrissie uses crutches as well as braces on her legs to help her walk. When asked about her disability, Chrissie proudly talks about the many things she’s able to do on her own, as well as what she needs help with. Chrissie’s matter-of-fact responses give Daniel, as well as young viewers, a wonderful opportunity to learn about someone who is different from a preschool perspective. Daniel really likes it when Chrissie comes around, because she is friendly, outgoing and knows how to use her imagination very well!

Watch Clip 1

Watch Clip 2

The goal for this episode is to help children see and appreciate the similarities and differences among people. More information for this episode (Episode 133: Daniel’s New Friend/Same and Different) can be found on our PBS Kids Parent's website for Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.

When you help your young child realize that differences are okay, you set the stage for them to appreciate diversity throughout their life. Here are some tips from The Fred Rogers Company to help you reinforce with your own little “neighbors” at home that everyone is special in their own way!

Model Friendliness

Children learn from example and from the things we say. Help your children respect others by the way you greet people, talk with them, and speak about them afterwards.

Create a Family Book –

Work with your child to create a book together about your family titled, “How We’re Alike and How We’re Different.”

Meeting New Friends

Sit down with your child and talk about how it feels to meet someone new. Reassure them that we all can feel a little shy, scared or confused when people look or behave differently.

Value Differences

Arrange a small get-together with one or two other families. Each could make a snack that may be new or different to the others, possibly an ethnic food or one that’s special to their family in other ways.