
Pillow Hugs
Hugging a pillow covered with an item of a loved one’s clothing can help comfort children when they’re missing them.
When challenges and feelings are BIG, there are little things you can do to help make things feel easier for your child. Together with your child, watch this video in which Louie and Elmo share a simple strategy to help soothe children — hugging a pillow that’s covered in a loved one’s shirt!
No matter how long your child will be apart from their loved one, hugs can help. A hugging pillow is easy to make and doesn’t require any sewing — simply put a shirt on a pillow! It can be a t-shirt or a shirt with buttons or snaps, and it doesn’t need to fit perfectly. When children hug the pillow, they can talk to their loved one as if they were right there with them.

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

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

Crayon Power
Coloring together can soothe both children and grown-ups.

See You Later Alligator
A special, loving good-bye routine can make separations easier.

Friendship Bracelets
When it’s hard to be apart from those we love, the littlest things can become big reminders that someone loves us and is thinking of us.

Cloud Watching
Spending time outside can feel like a “reset” on the day.