If you have young kids, chances are you not only know Miss Rachel of the YouTube channel Songs For Littles, but you also love her.
Her subscribers have called her "Beyonce for toddlers," and as a mom of a three-year-old, I totally agree.
But what's it like to be the teacher that every child in the world loves, and whose most popular video on YouTube has over 403 million views and counting?
In a feature by The New York Times published on June 30, they gave a glimpse into the life of Miss Rachel, whose full name is Rachel Griffin Accurso.
She arrived a few minutes late on the set because she had passed by a pastry shop, and while in line, she got stuck recording fan videos. "But I don't mind. I love being able to help make people's days," she candidly said.
Although we've written several articles about Miss Rachel, focusing on her educational background and her family, it's interesting to know how she started making videos that help kids speak and communicate better.
Miss Rachel as a mother
Miss Rachel got married to musical director Aron Accurso in 2016, and two years later, she gave birth to her son named Thomas.
As a music teacher with a master's degree in music education, Miss Rachel left her job to focus on being a mom. In The New York Times report, Miss Rachel said that when her son was about to turn one, she noticed that "his mouth wasn't connecting to his brain."
To supplement Thomas' speech pathology sessions, Miss Rachel started making the first few videos that are now racking up millions of views on YouTube.
Last week, Miss Rachel shared on Instagram a video of her singing the first song she wrote with her son. Part of the lyrics read, "I hope that you know, you're kind, and you're brave, and you're enough. And you're an amazing kid, and nothing you do can change how loved you are."
READ ALSO: In Case You Need To Hear This Today: 'You're Not A Perfect Parent, But I See You Trying Really Hard'
What sets Miss Rachel's videos apart from others is that she films close-ups of her mouth to show the pronunciation of words clearly. She also popularized her versions of nursery rhymes like the hit "Icky Sticky Bubble Gum," which is the most popular video on her channel.
Why the world loves Miss Rachel
Parents and experts alike laud Miss Rachel, particularly for how her videos help children communicate better and discuss concepts like emotions. YouTube content creator and new dad Cong TV even made his own version to get his son's attention!
She has been called a "lifesaver" by moms and is even regarded as this generation's version of Mister Rogers, the legendary American host of the preschool television series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Get to know him here.
Recently, Miss Rachel announced that she will be collaborating with Blippi, another toddler favorite, for a new show.
There's a lot in store for our kids, especially since Miss Rachel said that it is her joy and calling to be "speaking and singing" for the little ones.
She concludes her New York Times feature with this quote, which will touch every parent's heart: "I never get tired of singing 'Icky Sticky Sticky Bubble Gum,' so I must be meant to sing it."
Now, who's excited for Miss Rachel to go on a world tour? I am!
Celebrity dad Jhong Hilario surprised his 2-year-old daughter with a video greeting from Miss Rachel! Watch it here.
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