These videos are designed for both children and their caregivers.
For over four decades, Sesame Street has captivated the hearts of children, and its magic continues to resonate. The beloved show has consistently tackled tough subjects, breaking them down into easily digestible concepts for kids. Now, they are leveraging their platform to assist children who have faced traumatic experiences.
Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind the iconic series, has launched a new initiative that provides a range of videos and resources for both children and their parents or caregivers. This release is particularly pertinent, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the tragic events that mark the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Discussing such distressing topics with children can be challenging, but Sesame Street aims to equip families with the tools to address these difficult realities.
Topics Covered
The topics covered include preparation for natural disasters, methods to manage stress, ways to feel secure, and strategies for coping with anxiety, among others. True to the Sesame Street format, these videos are engaging and feature beloved characters, presented in a language that children can easily understand.
The familiar Muppet cast guides children through calming exercises, fostering a sense of safety. The importance of addressing childhood trauma is underscored by the findings from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health, revealing that nearly half of all American children under 18 have experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE).
ACEs encompass a range of issues, including emotional or physical abuse, neglect, domestic violence, substance abuse within the home, and having a family member incarcerated. Such experiences can lead to serious challenges during childhood and later in life, including substance abuse, risky health behaviors, chronic health problems, and even premature death.
It’s essential to provide children with the resources they need to understand and heal from their experiences. Who better to guide them than Elmo, Abby, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster? Even The Count showcases his “count, breathe, relax” technique for calming down.
Available Resources
All available resources can be found on the Sesame Street in Communities page and include videos and printable materials. Even the most well-intentioned adults may feel overwhelmed when trying to support children in the face of adversity. Although we hope never to need such resources, it’s reassuring that Sesame Street has created these helpful tools.
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In summary, Sesame Street’s new video series is a vital initiative aimed at helping children cope with trauma, offering invaluable resources for both kids and their caregivers to navigate these tough conversations.