The beloved children’s program Sesame Street continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing young minds with the launch of a new series of videos aimed at helping children cope with trauma. For more than 40 years, Sesame Street has been a staple in childhood development, addressing complex issues in a manner that resonates with kids. Now, they are stepping up to provide support to those who have faced distressing experiences.
This new initiative from Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit arm behind the iconic show, includes a variety of engaging videos tailored for both children and their caregivers. These resources are designed to assist families in navigating the emotional aftermath of traumatic events—particularly poignant in a time when our society is grappling with significant crises. Talking to children about the unsettling realities of the world can be challenging, but Sesame Street is dedicated to equipping families with the tools they need to tackle these sensitive topics.
Content of the Video Series
The videos cover a range of subjects, including how to prepare for natural disasters like hurricanes, strategies to manage stress, ways to feel secure, and techniques for dealing with anxiety, among others. True to Sesame Street’s engaging style, these videos feature familiar characters that children adore, delivering comforting messages in a language that is easy for them to understand.
The beloved Muppets demonstrate calming exercises and strategies to help children feel safe and secure. The urgency of this effort is underscored by a 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health revealing that nearly half of American children under the age of 18 have experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE). These ACEs can manifest as emotional or physical abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or substance abuse in the home, placing children at risk for long-term health issues and behavioral challenges.
The Importance of Support
Thus, providing children with the necessary tools to process their experiences is paramount. Who better to guide them than Elmo, Abby, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster? Even The Count is on hand to share his signature “count, breathe, relax” method for calming down.
All these invaluable resources can be accessed on the Sesame Street in Communities page, which includes both videos and printable materials. Even the most caring adults can find themselves uncertain about how to assist children in coping with troubling events. While it’s unfortunate that such resources are needed, Sesame Street has made them readily available for those who do.
Further Reading
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In summary, Sesame Street’s new video series is an innovative approach to helping children manage trauma, utilizing beloved characters and accessible language to foster understanding and healing.