Sesame Street Travels To Meet Military Families And Spread Encouragement

(photo credit: USO/Fred Greaves)

Sesame Street characters have become trusted friends to millions of young children who watch them on television. And what I have always loved about the program is the diversity of the characters who appear on the show. So I was thrilled to learn that Sesame Street has introduced a new friend named Katie who is a military child. Why is she an important new addition to the Sesame Street family? Because military children don't see themselves portrayed in the media beyond tear filled reunion shows and news footage. But now they have a kid (just like them) on a trustworthy show that will take care of their feelings instead of exploiting them. Thank you Sesame Street!

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I had the privledge of  asking Katie and Elmo a few questions about the Sesame Street/USO Experience for military families which they are both starring in across overseas military installations this year. The tour is part of Sesame Street's Talk, Listen, Connect initiative for military families.

Here's what our friends Katie and Elmo had to say....

MB: What do you like about traveling around to talk to other military families?

Katie: I like meeting all the different families and knowing that there are other kids out there that are going through similar experiences to me...that makes me feel a lot better knowing I am not alone. Plus I get to make lots of new friends which can be really exciting!

MB: What are some of the things you have a hard time with when it comes to moving as a military kid? And what are some of the things you have learned to do to help make moves easier?

Katie: It’s really hard to move away from your friends because you know you may not see them for a while...and to move to a new place where you don’t know anyone can be scary! But I learned that you can always talk about your feelings with your family and friends and that just because you move away doesn’t mean you have to stop being friends...you can always stay connected and that definitively makes moving easier.

MB: What are some of the things you talk about in your show for military families?

Elmo: Elmo and his friends talk about how sometimes it is hard when mommy and daddy have to go away or how scary it can be when we have to move away from our friends and a place we know…but we also talk about all the friends we do have in different places and how we can stay in touch...and that’s fun!

MB: What have you learned from meeting so many military families while you travel around the world performing for the Sesame Street/USO Experience?

Elmo: Elmo learned how brave everyone is! Elmo is so proud of all the military families and Elmo is so excited to have so many friends around the world.

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Learn more about the Sesame Street/USO Experience and some of the great programs Sesame Street  has to support parents in discussing the changes of military life with their young children.