The moment I first became a believer in the power of Daniel Tiger happened when my daughter was 3.
Instead of melting into my lap and whimpering as shed done in the past (goodbyes are so sad!
I stood there, stunned.
Its something she practices at home with her family in New York City.
Here, Santomero talks about how she parents.
Did it happened as planned or were there surprises?
How did he inspire you?
When I was four years old, I looked forward every day to [watching his show].
I realized how impactful media is on young children.
Take us through your morning routine.
What are your best tricks for getting out the door?
Mornings are hard as sometimes I stay up late writing.
What are the gadgets, apps, charts or tools you rely on?
My iPhone, Mac computer and iPad.
How much outside help do you get as a parent?
Who or what cant you live without?
We have a housekeeper who takes care of the house, laundry and preps meals for us.
When the girls were little, we had a babysitter.
Greg works from home so he did all the heavy lifting with the babies.
There is no such thing as doing it all.
Have your kids inspired ideas forDaniel Tiger?
My girls have inspired so many of my scripts.
The episodes about Baby Margaret inDaniel Tigerwere almost an exact script of having my second daughter!
She had wanted to name her Cinderella Blue after her two favorite characters, so we ended on Ella.
Have you used Daniel Tiger strategies on your kids?
Ive tried out each strategy in one way or another with the girls.
Once, when Ella was about 12, she was really angry about something.
When your kids were growing up, what were your screen time guidelines?
The girls had an hour a dayonly on weekendswhen they were little.
I knew which shows they were watching and wed talk about them.
), entertaining (the fruit!)
and interactive (the protein!).
How do you involve your kids in your work now?
They give me ideas, read scripts, give me notes, and watch animated leicas.
I value their perspective and have always wanted to reflect them in my work.
How do you divide household/childcare responsibilities with your partner?
We are both responsible, as are the kids, for our home.
We have learned to prioritize our stress levels and ask for help in the house when we need it.
Has becoming a parent changed the way you work?
I work more efficiently.
I realized how much play and silliness really helps inspire me.
Once, when Ella was about 12, she was really angry about something.
How do you decompress?
I love watching Netflix in my bed.
Im currently watching all the seasons starting with season 1 of New Girl.
Whats been your proudest moment as a parent?
Im also proud when I hear how much they want to accomplish and achieve.
What moment are you least proud of?
When Im tired and lose my cool.
What do you want your kid to learn from your example?
Now that they are teens, I share a lot about my struggles as well as my accomplishments.
I want them to learn from it all.
What are your favorite funny/weird/special family rituals?
Has anyone ever given you a piece of parenting advice that has really stuck with you?
You are the best parent when you dont care what other parents think of you.
How can parents use radical kindness during, say, a childs tantrum?
Radical kindness can give you relief.
A tantrum is a way for them to stop time and say I need you!
Oh, and the tantrums dont stop when children are past the preschool age!
They just look a little different.
Whats the hardest part about being a parent?
Not enough time in the day.
