Sesame Workshop Debuts New Resources to Support Family and Community Bonds for Military Families

New videos and articles help families discover new ways to connect with each other and their community 

(New York, NY – September 21, 2023) Being part of a military family can be an adventure, but at times, it can also feel isolating. Both children and grown-ups can experience feelings of loneliness, and the unique circumstances of military life, such as being far away from relatives or friends, frequent changes to routine, or moving to new places can make those feelings more intense. For over 15 years, Sesame Street for Military Families has helped children and families in the military community navigate challenges. When a parent serves, the whole family serves as well, and that’s something military kids can be proud of.

To support those who are having a difficult time, Sesame Workshop is launching new resources that aim to help find new ways to connect with one another and their community.  

The free, bilingual digital resources include three new videos featuring Sesame Street friends Abby and her stepbrother, Rudy, and mom, Maggie, as well as Elmo and his parents, Louie and Mae, as they model special ways for families to connect with intention. Doing meaningful activities will have a positive influence on our lives. 

• Sometimes it can be hard to recognize that any time can be special family time. In Better Together, Abby, Rudy, and Maggie play a game as they run a family errand. With intention.  
• For solo parents, support from your community can be especially meaningful. In Solo Parenting, Elmo’s teacher offers encouragement and kindness to both Elmo and his mom, Mae, providing the positivity all families need. 
• Sometimes we feel worn out or tired but discover that making a small effort can yield big rewards. In Making an Effort, Elmo and his parents decide to attend a community event despite feeling fatigued from their day. Afterwards, they find they are more energized – and they created some wonderful family memories to cherish.  

“Feeling isolated can happen to anyone, but this is especially true for our military families. Having a community where one can feel safe and connected to others who are going through the same experience is truly invaluable,” said Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, Sesame Workshop’s Senior Vice President of U.S. Social Impact. “Being a military family means being part of something bigger than yourself. We’re proud to support our military and their families with new resources in the times they need us most.”  

The new materials join a robust lineup of resources to uplift and support military families through deployments, homecomings, long-term family caregiving, transitions in health care, and much more. The resources are free to families and providers and are available in English and Spanish at sesamestreetformilitaryfamilies.org.  

About Sesame Workshop  
Sesame Workshop is the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more bring playful early learning to families in more than 150 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org and follow Sesame Workshop on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok. 

About Military Community and Family Policy 

Military Community and Family Policy is directly responsible for establishing quality-of-life policies and programs that help our service members, their families and survivors be well and mission ready. Military OneSource is the gateway to MC&FP programs and services that support the everyday needs of the 5.2 million service members and immediate family members of the military community. These Department of Defense services can be accessed 24/7/365 around the world.