I grew up in the 90’s and Mr. Rogers was a large part of my childhood. He taught me so many things: how to be a friend to everyone you meet, how to look for the helpers and be a good helper, how to have compassion towards others, how to be a lifelong learner, how to choose joy in life, and how being a good neighbor is so important.
You see, Mr. Rogers knew something deep down - that our neighbors are really important for our well being. The people you live next door to or across the street from are really important people. The bible even agrees!
Check out Galatians 5:14 “Love your neighbor as yourself” or Romans 15:2 "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up" and also Hebrews 13:1-2 "Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
Some key benefits of knowing your neighbors:
Shared knowledge: Chances are you do not know everything. Your neighbor probably knows something you don't. Whether it be how to fix something, happenings down the street, a local job opening, or a great recipe for banana bread.
Shared resources: Making your favorite dish and run out of eggs? sugar? Need to barrow a folding table or electrical cord? Need help with a house project or yard project? Odds are your neighbors are ready and willing to help you out.
Boosts your mental and physical health: Social connection is undoubtedly related to mental health. The more healthy social relationships you have the healthier you are mentally. But did you know that knowing your neighbors also boosts your physical health? A study at the University of Missouri concluded that people who perceived their neighbors as trustworthy were more likely to report higher rates of health and well-being than those who said they did not know or trust their neighbors.
Safer homes and communities: People tend to look out for other people. Leave that garage door open by accident? See anything out of sorts? Any teenage shenanigans going on? You can bet neighbors who know each other will look out for the safety of each other and the kids too!
Better vacations: Ever need someone to grab your mail? Water your plants? Or take care of Fido the dog? Neighbors can share or trade taking care of the home while you are on vacation, so that you can truly unwind and relax.
Fights loneliness: Having even a small connection with your neighbor such as exchanging a friendly hello now and then can have huge impacts on your mental health and overall well-being. Knowing your neighbor helps combat social isolation and overall loneliness.
I could go on all day long! There are several more benefits to knowing your neighbor, and several more studies to back it up. Skeptical? Do some of your own research and prove me wrong.
So what do we do now? Say you just moved into your new home. Or perhaps you have lived in your neighborhood for some time and still don't really know any of your neighbors? Here are a few things my family and I have done and found great success:
Make a double batch of your favorite recipe or baked good and share with the neighbor next door. I love sharing pumpkin bread or a batch of fresh cookies.
Learn your neighbors are going out of town? Offer to grab their mail and water their plants while they are away. Bonus- they will likely return the favor for you when you are headed out of town.
The next time you learn a neighbor is ill or just had a major surgery- raid your kitchen pantry for some canned soup, crackers, and sprite. Drop it off at their front door with a note inside wishing them health and speedy recovery.
Did the neighbor just give birth or adopt a baby? Order them pizza delivery or bring them a bag of some power snacks and coffee to help with the transition.
Got a yard project (e.g. building a deck) or recent storm knock some trees down? Offer to ask/help your neighbor out.
Have an older neighbor who cannot easily plow their snow covered driveway? Don't even ask, just plow it for them to show you care.
During the holidays, purchase a $5 popcorn tin, slap your family holiday card on it, and deliver door to door to your neighbors. The thought and effort you took drudging through the snow to deliver often melts their hearts!
Host a summer national night out block party (potluck style). This sounds like a lot of effort, but trust me its really not. Pick a weeknight to host on your front lawn and create simple invites. Tape the invites on all the neighbors doors two weeks before. The day of let the magic unfold! You'd be surprised how many neighbors don't already know each other, but are delighted to meet and equally delighted that you threw such a great outing. Throw in some yard games or a sprinkler and we have increased the fun ten-fold!
Host a chili cookout and bonfire. Similar to above, make it potluck style and host the bonfire in your backyard. Tape invites to your neighbors doors. Ask everyone to bring their own lawn chair. Throw in supplies for the s'mores and everyone's feels will be on high - cool sunset, crackling fire, warm food, sweet treats. Take me back there now!!
If statistics say it, AND Mr. Rogers says it, AND the bible says it, well then it must be true! It really doesn't take a whole lot of effort to show you care about your neighbors and your community. The blessing you will receive in return will be greater than the efforts it took you to make the first move. So the next time an opportunity presents itself, I pray that you seize it!
"It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood
A beautiful day for a neighbor
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Please won't you be my neighbor?"
-Mr. Rogers