Helping Children Soothe Themselves
Two simple, hands-on ways to help children overwhelmed by big feelings.
Print these step-by-step directions for making two items (from everyday materials) that can help soothe a child overwhelmed by big feelings: a comfort container and an ocean bottle.
It’s helpful to keep in mind that mental health isn’t necessarily about feeling “good” at all times—it can be about how we deal with challenges, and there are so many coping strategies like these that you can teach and practice with your children. They’ll use these tools over their lifetimes… long after the big and small challenges of their childhood have come and gone.
Listen to Understand
Elmo and Abby learn that pausing to listen helps them work as a team.
Too Many Cooks
Elmo and friends learn that sharing roles helps playtime go smoothly.
A Time to Talk
Grown-ups work together to help Elmo manage big feelings with care.
Together Time
Color a page of Sesame moments that encourage teamwork and invite reflection!
Zoe’s Get Well Basket
Help children understand that being kind is one way to be a friend.
Wes Becomes a Perspective Detective
Help children take other’s perspectives.
Wes and Friends Build a City
Help children take other’s perspectives.