The world feels different and can be confusing right now, especially for young children. The recent global changes have made everyday life a little tricky for everyone, and kids might be feeling all sorts of new emotions. That’s why Sesame Street’s Elmo is here to help! Elmo, everyone’s favorite furry red friend, is sharing some of his best tips for staying safe, healthy, and happy. And guess what? It even involves singing! Let’s learn from Elmo about navigating these times, maybe while humming along to a tune – perhaps even the catchy “Elmo La La Song”!
Staying Safe and Healthy with Elmo
“Elmo has been learning so much!” Elmo exclaims. Just like many of us, Elmo has been spending more time at home. “Mommy and Daddy told Elmo that staying home is the best way to stay safe right now.” So, Elmo has been safe and sound on Sesame Street with his family and Dorothy, his goldfish. But staying safe is not just about staying home. Elmo reminds us about other important things too. “It’s important to eat healthy foods and get enough sleep!” Elmo loves munching on apples and bananas, while Dorothy enjoys her fish food. And what’s Elmo’s super important healthy habit? “Elmo washes his hands a lot! That’s a very important way to stay healthy!”
“Washy Wash” and Maybe the “Elmo La La Song” for Handwashing Fun
Washing hands can be extra fun with a song! When asked if he sings “Happy Birthday,” Elmo shares his very own handwashing song. “Elmo has a favorite song to sing every time Elmo washes his hands! It’s called ‘Washy Wash,’ and it goes like this: ‘Wash, washy wash, washy wash…’ Elmo can sing it for you later. It’s pretty catchy!” Perhaps Elmo’s catchy “Washy Wash” song is even in the same family of fun tunes as the “elmo la la song”! Singing songs like these makes important routines like handwashing enjoyable for kids and helps them remember to do it properly and for long enough.
New Routines and Fun at Home
Routines have changed for many families, and Elmo’s is no exception. “Elmo can’t go to school or see his friends right now, and sometimes that makes Elmo feel sad.” It’s okay to feel a little sad when things are different. But Elmo is great at finding fun ways to learn and play at home! “Elmo reads books with his mommy every day.” Reading is a fantastic way to learn and explore new worlds from the comfort of home. And to see his friends, Elmo’s family uses technology. “Elmo’s daddy set up a cool video chat so Elmo can have playdates with all his friends! Elmo plays virtual freeze dance with Abby and Rosita, and has virtual snack time with Cookie Monster! It’s really fun.” Virtual playdates are a wonderful way to stay connected and have fun even when you can’t be together in person.
Using Imagination to Explore Indoors
Elmo is a master of imagination! “Ooh, Elmo loves to use his imagination!” Using your imagination is a super power when you’re spending more time at home. “Sometimes Elmo pretends he’s a famous builder. Elmo built a giant obstacle course in Elmo’s bedroom. And then Elmo pretended he was a famous athlete and Elmo went over and under and around and through the obstacle course he built!” Turning your room into an obstacle course, building forts, or pretending to be different characters are just some of the amazing things you can do with your imagination indoors.
Dealing with Big Feelings
Sometimes, things can feel confusing or even a little scary. Elmo knows this too. “Right now, things can be confusing and a little bit scary for kids. What do you do if you ever feel scared or confused?” Elmo has a comforting strategy for when he feels scared. “Oh, that’s an easy one! Any time Elmo feels scared, he tells his mommy and daddy and they give Elmo big hugs. Elmo’s mommy and daddy give the BEST hugs – that always makes Elmo feel better.” Talking about your feelings with someone you trust, like a parent or caregiver, and getting a hug can make a big difference. “And Elmo’s daddy says that anytime Elmo feels sad or has questions about anything at all, Elmo should ALWAYS ask his mommy or daddy and they will help Elmo understand.” It’s always okay to ask questions and talk about how you feel.
Thank You to Helpers Everywhere
Elmo also wants to say a big thank you to all the helpers in our neighborhoods. “Have you heard the term ‘essential worker’?” Elmo has learned about these important people. “Elmo’s mommy told Elmo that those kind of workers are important helpers – nurses and doctors, and people who work in pharmacies, and mail carriers, and people like my friend Grover, who delivers groceries to our neighbors on Sesame Street. There are so many helpers keeping us safe and healthy, and Elmo wants to say a great big THANK YOU!” These essential workers, including those at Walgreens, are doing so much to care for families and keep communities going. Let’s all join Elmo in saying thank you to these heroes!
Elmo reminds us that even when things are different or challenging, there are ways to stay safe, have fun, and take care of ourselves and each other. And maybe, just maybe, singing a happy tune like the “elmo la la song” can make everything a little bit brighter.
