
Bounce Back: Storybook
A storybook featuring Alex about persistence and resilience in the face of new challenges.
Share this story about Alex, a Sesame Street friend. When Alex’s father was incarcerated, Alex and his family faced big challenges, and he coped with big feelings such as fear and anger. But they’ve moved through those hard times, learned coping strategies, and are stronger for it.
Whether the problems young children face are big or small, it helps to build their resilience—the ability to move through challenges and bounce back from setbacks. Persistence is an important piece of resilience, and, like all people, Alex needs to find a way to tolerate frustration and practice patience with himself.
After reading, do the activity together. Invite children to celebrate all the amazing skills they’ve learned so far—and look forward to learning new ones!

Bubble Time
A quiet activity such as blowing bubbles can help both children and adults breathe deeply, slow down… and calm down.

Safe & Together
When families have to leave home in order to stay safe, it helps to remember that home is where the love is.

Monster Meltdown
Meltdowns happen… but they are somewhat predictable! As you try to handle them, curiosity and patience go a long way.

Toddler Tips: Meltdowns
Strategies for during and after a meltdown…and even some ways meltdowns might be avoided.

Listen, Feel, and See with Elmo
When children are in the hospital, this mindfulness game can help them soothe themselves.

Using Your Words
A coloring page helping children explore words for big feelings.

Cookie Monster’s Beach Day
When children are in the hospital, their imagination can become a valuable tool in soothing themselves.