Elmo’s Essential Caring Quotes About Mental Health
Elmo is always ready to check in on his friends on Sesame Street. However, his recent, “How is everybody doing?” question offered lots more people space to be heard and feel like they mattered when they needed it the most. It reminded us all of the importance of self-care!
Elmo always finds a way to say exactly the right words to help. That’s how so many of Elmo’s wonderful quotes become heartwarming social emotional lessons helpful to monsters and people alike. Whether your feelings are big or little, we hope this list offers you some strategies for coping as well as fun reminders of the joy that is Elmo.
1. “Even though things have changed, and some things may never be the same, Elmo is still Elmo and… [pauses to think] Elmo is helpful!”
– From “Jesse Expresses Grief Through Play”
Elmo’s cousin Jesse, who recently lost her dad, was feeling upset because she couldn’t arrange her blocks just right. The caring adults in this video: Elmo’s daddy, Louie, and Jesse’s mommy, Jill, remind Elmo and Jesse that even though change is hard and some things will never be the way they were, you always stay you, and that’s a lot to be proud of.
2. “Hey daddy, Elmo got the last cookie! Oh! Daddy can have half.”
– Elmo to Louie From “The Wonderful In You”
Cookie Monster may have been the one to teach us how to share the last cookie, but Elmo sharing one with his daddy reminded Louie what a great kiddo he’s raised. These moments serve as a wonderful time to pause and appreciate how far we’ve come, how we’ve changed, and what we’ve accomplished as caring adults with our little ones. Thank you, Louie. And great sharing, Elmo!
3. “Gee, it’s nice to sing with a friend.”
– Elmo to Julia in “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”
If you heard Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star a lot growing up, you may have come to think of it just as a sweet nursery song. After singing it with his wonderful friend Julia, Elmo reminded all of us to stop and look up sometimes. Every moment counts when we pause to reconnect with friends, even in the simplest ways—like singing together.
4. “Elmo used to get frustrated too… when Elmo tried to put on Elmo’s pajamas. But Elmo finally figured it out.”
“We notice. We feel. We can, we can, we can!”
– Elmo and Louie in “I Notice, I Feel, I Can”
We all get frustrated: monsters, grown ups, and kids. What matters is that we keep trying. In hard times, we can also help each other. Thanks, Elmo and Louie, for showing us that it’s okay to be frustrated and it’s okay if you need to take a break before you try again.
For more “Elmo can do this!” attitude inspo, watch Elmo learn how to be kind to himself as he learns how to zip up his sweater with his daddy.
5. “Elmo knows something else he can use to help people. Elmo can use his arms to hug!”
– Elmo to Sofia in “Meet Sofia, Sesame Street’s Feelings Helper”
In this video, we learned about Sofia’s work as a therapist on Sesame Street. She talks about using her eyes, ears and mouth to do her job, but Elmo has another idea to add! Elmo reminds us hugs are a great form of self-care.
6. “That’s exactly what a kind friend would say to someone else. So, that’s what you should say to yourself!”
– Elmo to Rosita in “Elmo & Rosita Are Good Friends to Themselves”
Making the best painting—or being a great friend—feels great. But giving ourselves space to make mistakes and learn from them is also important. Thank you, Rosita, for the reminder that we can be a bit too hard on ourselves, and Elmo for a reminder about what truly makes a good friend.
7. “Yeah. Elmo knows.”
– Elmo to Rosita in “Elmo to Karli in “Ribbons of Hope”
In this case, it’s not the exact words that Elmo said, but how he said them. His friend Karli was talking to him about how her family didn’t have a place to stay for a while. In response, Elmo simply acknowledges Karli’s situation. He doesn’t push it away or ask her to look at it differently. Elmo gives Karli room to talk about it and then celebrates her family’s resilience with her. Thank you, Karli for sharing your vulnerability. And thank you, Elmo, for listening.
8. “Rocco is a rock, Zoe.”
– Elmo to Zoe in “Crafty Friends“
Knowing that even Elmo has his limits is quite comforting. Even with all the imagination in the world at your disposal, sometimes you want a rock to just stay a rock. Especially when you’re expected to share your last cookie with one! Thanks, Rocco, for being a good sport.
Elmo’s warmth and kindness matters to kids…and to adults! Elmo’s always here for you. And Elmo’s sure you know, but… Elmo loves you.
