Sesame Street has always been ahead of the curve, and we’re so thankful for it! Recently, the beloved residents of Sesame Street announced they’re getting the COVID-19 vaccine. They even reminded us of a classic clip featuring Big Bird getting his measles vaccine back in 1972. This serves as a clear reminder that the Sesame Street gang has never shied away from discussing important, science-based topics. A huge shoutout to the Sesame crew for tackling complex issues in such a thoughtful way over their fifty-plus years on air.
Representation Matters
Take, for example, the introduction of Julia in 2017—one of the first characters on TV to be identified as being on the autism spectrum. Julia not only helps children understand how a friend with different social behaviors may interact, but she also gives kids on the spectrum a sense of representation on a show that’s loved around the globe. That’s pretty powerful!
Addressing Tough Topics
In 2013, Sesame Street bravely addressed parental incarceration with their episode “Little Children, Big Challenges: Incarceration.” They took the time to discuss the emotions and stigma that come with having a parent in prison, aiming to lift the shame children often feel. As someone who experienced this myself during my teenage years, I truly appreciate how Sesame Street provides a platform for kids to express their feelings about such difficult situations.
Homelessness and Family Dynamics
Fast forward to 2020, when they introduced Lily, their first homeless muppet. This character was designed to show viewers who may be facing homelessness that they’re not alone. While they don’t delve into the causes, they emphasize that home is wherever love is found. It’s so vital for kids to feel seen and heard, and we applaud Sesame Street for making that happen.
In 2019, they introduced Karli, the adorable face of their foster care initiative. Karli’s backstory involves her being the child of an addict, which has sparked mixed reactions online. However, I think it’s amazing that the writers are willing to address tough topics and highlight various family dynamics, especially for the nearly 400,000 American children in foster care, as reported by the Lilliput Organization.
A Legacy of Honoring Difficult Subjects
Sesame Street’s knack for turning complicated subjects into relatable lessons earned them an Emmy back in 1984. They dedicated a Thanksgiving episode to their beloved cast member, Will Lee, who passed away unexpectedly. Instead of avoiding the topic, they chose to honor him and address his death directly, which made for a beautiful tribute to a beloved character.
There’s also the iconic moment when they revealed Mr. Snuffleupagus to the adults in 1985. As a kid, I was just excited to see my favorite character acknowledged, but the writers had a deeper purpose: to encourage children to speak up about troubling experiences without fear of not being believed. As a survivor of domestic violence, I am incredibly grateful for this message, whether I recognized it then or not.
Resources for Family Planning
So, here’s to Sesame Street! They’re teaching our kids how to navigate big decisions and experiences, just as they’ve been doing for years. If you’re curious about family planning, you might want to check out Make A Mom, an at-home insemination company offering a reusable option, or learn how at-home insemination works at this informative page. And for those considering sperm donation, there’s a free matching group at Make A Mom Facebook Group. Plus, if you want to explore more about this topic, take a look at this blog post for helpful insights. For anyone looking for an artificial insemination kit, CryoBaby is a great resource. Lastly, for anyone navigating the complexities of fertility insurance, check out this helpful FAQ.
Conclusion
In summary, Sesame Street remains a trailblazer in addressing important topics with kids, and their impact is immeasurable. They help children feel represented and understood, and we’re all the better for it.
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