As the annual November observance of Military Family Month approaches, Americans reflect on the many sacrifices that service members' loved ones make, including adapting to a life that is always in flux, one in which places and faces blur together after a few moves, one in which there is an ever-present fear of their Soldier being injured or dying. Constant change is particularly tough for military kids, who need reassurance and comfort.
One of the many sources they can turn to are the lovable luminaries of Sesame Street, thanks to a partnership between the Defense Department and Sesame Workshop. Whether it’s Big Bird, Cookie Monster or Oscar the Grouch, these cultural touchstones easily connect with all types of kids, and that’s why, since 2022 the Defense Department’s Office of Military Community and Family Policy has funded Sesame Workshop’s Sesame Street for Military Families, or SS4MF, a free website with multimedia resources in English and Spanish that cover topics military parents and children confront regularly. “We recognized the need to focus on the specific needs of young children and their Families through all the major milestones of military life while celebrating their service. SS4MF has partnered with the Defense Department and national partners to find innovative ways to reach military and Veteran Families and the providers that support them,” said Janay Powell, program analyst at SS4MF.
The site has interactive games, such as ArtMaker, a drawing tool that helps youngsters colorfully express their emotions; Sunny, Cloudy, Stormy Days, which allows them to pick a type of feelings day and then explore different environments that bring joy and reduce stress; and Comfy-Cozy Nest, where Big Bird demonstrates how to create a safe place in your mind when you are anxious. And in touching, humor-laced videos, the Sesame Street stars talk children through issues like adjusting to a new home base, saying goodbye to friends or a parent who is deployed overseas and managing emotions like disappointment and frustration. Elmo, who has a special connection to the military’s 1.6 million kids (his dad is a National Guard member), stars in a story about the importance of joining community events.
“The Family and Community Bonds resources that were launched this year are incredible,” Powell enthused. "Better Together"; "Solo Parenting"; "Making the Effort" videos are great wellness tools to promote positive Family functioning and improve well-being of military parents and their young children.”
The over 5 million resources include toolkits, apps, webinars and professional development conferences. Professionals who work with military Families can find resources at this link: https://millifelearning.militaryonesource.mil/ course/sesame_street.
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