There’s no denying the enormous amount of anxiety-inducing news in the air—between politics, natural disasters and foreign affairs, things can be a lot for kiddos to digest. Honestly, it's more than some adults can handle on their own, so how do we help our kids navigate the tough issues happening on their level? To help address this need, Sesame Street has launched a new initiative within its Sesame Streets in Communities program that can help children cope with traumatic experiences.
Photograph: Courtesy Sesame Workshop, 2017
The new portal was specifically created to help combat the harmful effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) like sudden and intense trauma caused by violence, natural disasters, loss of a loved one, divorce or a parent’s substance abuse, mental illness or incarceration. These difficult situations can have a profound effect on a child’s development, emotional growth and health. According to the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health, nearly half of American children have had at least one out of nine types of ACEs and 20 percent have had at least two.
Photograph: Courtesy Sesame Workshop, 2017
Sesame Street’s initiative will offer videos, storybooks, games, coloring pages, articles and activities to build up a child’s resiliency while still young so that they can work through severely stressful situations and learn to regulate themselves. Left unchecked, these intense emotions could increase a child’s risk of developing physical, social and emotional issues down the line. Families will have access to coping resources to help children feel nurtured, loved and cared for while providing adults with the tools necessary to create a safe environment for their child.
Photograph: Courtesy Sesame Workshop, 2017
Videos on coping strategies include one in which Big Bird learns that his nest is a safe space he can retreat to when he feels anxious or scared. In another, the Count teaches the Cookie Monster how to focus on his breath to calm down. Other characters, including Abby Cadabby and Elmo, teach other techniques such as self-confidence and finding items that help us feel more secure in our environment.
These free resources will be available in English and Spanish through sesamestreetincommunities.org. If you'd like to encourage your child express himself in a variety of ways, check out art classes for kids, adopt a pet to provide extra comfort or open up lines of communication while exploring things to do with kids in NYC to create a deeper bond with your child.
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