Coping With Big Feelings
Encourage kids to talk with grown-ups when they feel sad.
Watch this video together, then talk about the big feelings, like sadness and anger, that Elmo and Jesse have about Uncle Jack dying. Let children know that it’s okay to feel lots of different feelings, and that these feelings may come and go.
Many little ones don’t yet have words to express their feelings. This can be frustrating and cause them to act out. Pictures can be great tools to help children learn words that describe emotions. Make a “feeling faces” collage together. Look through magazines and cut out pictures of people with various expressions: happy, confused, worried, joyful, angry, proud, disappointed, excited, and so on. Glue the pictures to a large sheet of paper and label each. When children are having trouble expressing their feelings, invite them to point to a face that shows how they are feeling. Talk together about how they’re feeling and why.
Jesse Expresses Grief Through Play
A video to show how children can express their feelings of grief through play — and how grown-ups can help.
Something New
In this story, Elmo’s cousin Jesse helps remind children that big changes can mean new opportunities to learn and grow.
Growing as We Grieve
Parents and caregivers, reflect on your own experience of grief and hear what has helped other families cope, thrive, and find joy.
Express Yourself with Elmo and Jesse
Help a child check in with and express their feelings with these interactive creative activities.
Growing as They Grieve
A special guide for providers supporting children who are grieving.
Supporting Grieving Native American Children and Families
Learn ways to support Native American children and families who are grieving with compassion and cultural humility.
Grieving and Growing: Helping Families Navigate Bereavement Together
