Rosemarie Truglio: One Thing We Must Do Now

What is one thing you believe must be done now to improve how children and families are faring during the current crisis, specifically as it relates to the media and technology in their lives? 

Have a little kindness for parents, please, during this “for-now new normal.”

Rosemarie T. Truglio, PhD, is Senior Vice President of Curriculum and Content at Sesame Workshop and author of Ready for School! A Parents Guide for Playful Learning for Children Ages 2 to 5.

Before the pandemic, the connection between school and home learning was challenging. Now these relationships are severely strained, as parents are feeling inadequate, incompetent, and completely overwhelmed by the demands of parenting! One silver lining is that parents have a new appreciation for the invaluable role teachers play in their children’s lives. Another is with parents being preoccupied, children need to figure things out on their own, which builds critical thinking skills, autonomy, and resiliency. 

It’s time for us to stop and reflect on how media can be used as an effective tool to support parents. I was pleasantly surprised when CNN News Anchor Erin Burnett asked viewers to take a deep breath with her as she stressed the importance of taking care of oneself. Sesame Workshop acknowledges these very stressful times, with daily lives upended, and families trying to create a new sense of normalcy. Children thrive with structure and they learn best through play, but parents need guidance on exactly what that looks like and encouragement for what they are already doing to enhance learning in their children’s lives.  

Sesame Street’s Caring for Each Other is a digital hub designed to support parents and caregivers. Our resources aren’t prescriptions to follow—just ideas and virtual playdates with Sesame Street friends to help your family find ways to breathe, laugh, play, and learn together. Starting this week, we are featuring parent-directed messages to include Louie, Elmo’s Dad, sharing coping strategies for managing the range of emotions parents are feeling. And coming soon, Alan, our beloved storekeeper at Hooper’s Store, will model how he uses technology to take a break and share a cup of coffee with friends!

 

See more posts in this series:

Voices on the Future of Childhood

S. Craig Watkins | Debra Sanchez | Jenny Radesky | Karen Cator | Maria Alvarez
Michael H. Levine | Ralph Smith | Rosemarie Truglio | Vikki Katz