During the COVID-19 pandemic children of essential workers have had to get accustomed to a new way of doing things. As part of its Caring for Each Other initiative Sesame Workshop, in collaboration with Walgreens, is launching new bilingual resources for families of essential workers from healthcare providers to grocers, custodial staff to mail carriers and many more.
This new initiative offers helpful tips for families of essential workers. Using the story of Sesame Street Muppet Julia and her father Daniel, who is an EMT, the resources include ways to show love while keeping a safe distance (like hugging a pillow when Julia’s dad comes home from work) and strategies for helping kids like Julia cope with the challenges of having an essential worker in their family.
When a family member’s job keeps them at higher risk, everyone in the household may all have to still be extra careful even as physical distancing eases in parts of the country. That might leave families feeling extra isolated as time goes on. Children may be confused and anxious that everyday routines are still changing. Even if they’re now spending more time outside, everyone is still adjusting.
—Jennifer Swartvagher
featured photo: Sesame Workshop
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