Watch and Play: Elmo’s Awesome Bike

In the Sesame Street episode Elmo’s Awesome Bike (available now on Netflix and PBSKIDS), Elmo gets his very own bike! His awesome bike has streamers, a bell, and a license plate. Abby thinks Elmo’s bike is so cool and shows him her new fairy bike. It has sparkly streams, a dragon bell, and wings because her bike can fly! Elmo feels jealous because his bike can’t do that. He wants his bike to fly just like Abby’s. With Tamir’s help Elmo remembers what he does have and realizes he loves his bike just the way it is. He even saves the Cookie Cart with his awesome bike!

Preschoolers often struggle with understanding their big feelings, and jealousy is a particularly complex emotion for kids to grasp. Developing the ability to identify what they are feeling and calm themselves down takes time.

Some children may confuse the feeling of jealousy with anger or sadness. Help your preschooler notice what sensations they feel in their body and what it might be telling them about how they feel. Encourage your preschooler to speak truthfully about what they are feeling and respond to them without judgment. After validating what children are feeling, you can use moments of jealousy to help kids notice what they do feel grateful for—just like Tamir did with Elmo.

Check out the resources below to help your little one understand and cope with big feelings like jealousy.

Watch and Play Together Activities

Gratitude Jar

Highlight the power of gratitude! In tough times, help children pause, notice, and savor the feelings that the good things in our lives bring.  

Emotional Well-Being

Ages 3+

A Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

A fun and easy game that reminds kids (and grown-ups!) that there are lots of things to be thankful for.

Social and Emotional Skills

Ages 1–6

Gratitude

Abby’s mom helps her use her senses to remember the things she’s thankful for.

Social and Emotional Skills

Ages 1–6

Find this episode on Netflix, PBS Kids or Nationwide Public Television (Check local listings).