I am deep in the process of writing scripts for and setting up our 2010 TV production — five new shows in Spain, Helsinki, and Tallinn. Reminders of how our show is received keep me inspired to do better each year with our TV work. Today I’m inspired on by two very different communiqués. One is from the vice-president of our network, sharing wonky numbers of how our show was the most-watched show on Valentine’s Day in Fort Myers, Florida. (I don’t understand the numbers, either.) The other is from a parent marveling at how their infant and now child is addicted to our travel show.
From the network:
Rick: fyi – Impressive number. This is in Ft. Myers, FLA. Rick Steves’ Europe at 10:00 pm on WGCU: 1.7/3 (2.0 daypart avg.) APT’s highest-rated show in primetime of 2/14.
From the parent:
Subject: A message from possibly one of your youngest fans (or, at least the mother of).
Dear Rick Steves,
For a decade now, my husband Chris and I have enjoyed your shows — watching them has become one of our traditions. It’s our Saturday ritual. With coffee in hand, we sit back and journey with you “as our travel partner.”
That scene has changed little over the years, but the audience has grown. Our daughter, Talley, who is five, shares the couch with us — willingly — and has so for two years now. She has grown to appreciate travel, history, and the arts — a level of interest that I believe is beyond her years. And, I think we must owe this, at least in part, to your excellent programming.
In the beginning, little Talley had no choice. Lying in my arms, she “watched” your shows with us. Later on, when the comprehension of what you were saying became a bit more challenging, the resulting rewinds, pauses, and such stretched the episodes two-fold. After fifteen minutes, she pined (and whined) for Winnie.
Then when she was around 3½, she started requesting “Rick Steves” over Winnie the Pooh.Chris and I were in utter shock.
Whenever we suggested other travel shows, Talley would insist on Rick Steves. Once I began to notice the effect your shows were having on Talley, I did not push them as a learning tool. I continued to treat them as I always had. Watching your shows is something that we enjoy together. This unintended, yet welcome, consequence showed me that I need not dilute learning to capture Talley’s attention. Are the Rick Steves shows making her smarter? Are the shows expanding her horizons and understanding that I cannot gauge? Is this TV-time bringing us closer together as a family? I believe the answer is “yes” to all of the above.
Now when we watch one of your episodes, she tells us to be quiet. She sits between us, with Boost (defined as any beverage that includes chocolate) in hand, and watches the entire episode; asking questions on what she sees; asking to fast-forward when the music “sounds scary”; asking to rewind when people are dancing so she can dance with them; and asking us to pause when she needs more Boost. A half-hour episode still last an hour, but I find the prolongation a parenting joy.
The other day, my father-in-law recalled a conversation with Talley where she identified the Eiffel Tower in a magazine. He casually asked her several questions, not expecting to receive correct answers. The conversation went something like this: “Where is the Eiffel Tower located?” “In France.” “What city?” “Paris — and I want to go there.” “Talley, did you learn this from Little Einsteins?” “No, Rick Steves.”
I wanted to share my story with you — along with my appreciation. Please keep up the terrific work, and know that your programming affects probably more than your intended audience. We have had the fortune of enjoying one of your GAS tours recently. Hopefully, when Talley is a little older, we will make good on our promise to take her on one of your tours. And, hopefully, she will not have the expectation that you will be leading the tour!
Keep on travelin’!,
Elizabeth, Chris, and Talley
Hooray for Tallin–I hope to visit in the next year or two; it looks like a fascinating city! Also–Awwwwwww!
PBS provides quality programming and the letter from the mom shows how it can best be utilized. Not as a baby sitter, but as an interactive tool for learning. Kudos not only to Rick for his excellent shows, but to savvy parents who engage their child and keep the learning fun.
Our two grandchildren have been watching the Rick Steves PBS shows for the past few years. It is one of the two shows they choose to spend their limited TV viewing time watching. Our daughter and son-in-law have encouraged this in much the same way as have Talley’s parents, subtly and as a family affair. They are now veterans of one of the Rick Steves “Family Europe” tours in 2008 and we all will be going on a June G.A.S. trip this year. They are currently 9 and 10 years old. We as a family feel the journey to become “citizens of the world” can never begin too early. Thank you, Rick AC
I have all of Rick’s shows on DVD but on the cable provider in our area, I can see Rick’s shows 3-4X per evening. When in doubt, a Rick show is always the default viewing. Some of it is just wonderful memories of past travels; some of it is goal setting and a lot of it is the beautiful photography and joy that is communicated on the shows. Keep on Filming!
Great idea to allow your children to get exposed to such a “blame America first” advocate. Sure give the kids exposure to European culture and attitude before you teach them about the history of America’s patriots. Go ahead, let them be able to name the Eiffel Tower before the child can name Mt. Rushmore and I guarantee that the child will grow up to be a Mao loving Socialist. Actually I’m being sarcastic, but I’m surprised that some of Rick’s critics haven’t posted something similar. Me, I think it’s fantastic that a child would take an interest in the world outside of their neighborhood.
So, what’s your Teletubby name? Ricky-Stevey?
This is great Steve. Please keep up the great work that you do.
This posting is a vivid example of why public schooling is no longer needed beyond 10th grade. Children are exposed to many, many sources of solid, absorbable, brain stimulating information at extremely early ages. That exposure continues with more complex topics as they age.
I only let my Daughter watch PBS. It is an excellent resource and is very educational. My newborn son – Just born 2/16/10 will be following in his big sisters footsteps as he progresses. I also hope to send both of them abroad when in high school or college to expand their minds and horizons. Cheers Rick! Fred
I can relate to this family. We are family of enthusiastic travelers. My 14, 11 and 3 year old kids contribute enthusiastically to our travel decision making. My son was 6 months old when we took him to a trip to Spain. He has traveled to 9 countries and is not 4 yet. Instead of buying toys he throws tantrum for flying on airplane to go to Malaysia or Singapore (last places we traveled). My 14 and 11 year old daughters have a much better understanding of other cultures than what I had when I was their age, which will result in more tolerance for others. Mark Twain once said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” And I believe him.
I’m just curious, as a researcher in Prenatal and Perintal Psychology. Did you (Talley’s parents) watch Rick Steves shows when you were expecting her? If so, she likely picked up on the relaxation and communication between the two of you and now associates that wonderful feeling with watching the show.
Rick’s DVD’s are my favorite go-to program. Lately they are my evening entertainment after my toddler is in bed and I’m nursing my three-week old daughter. I hope these shows will grow on my kids also. Can’t wait for the new shows!