This month’s issue of Sesame Street in the Communities for early childhood colleagues is talking about Parental Addiction. Here is content from the October issue from the Office of Head Start National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety:

When a parent struggles with addiction, the whole family struggles. But having honest and age-appropriate conversations with children lets them know they aren’t alone. Head Start staff like you can make a big difference by giving children a place to express how they feel and being ready to answer tough questions if and when they come up. This month, Sesame Street in Communities is sharing resources to help you support children and families impacted by parental addiction.

Featured Resources

Explore Sesame Workshop resources related to this month’s topic, parental addiction.

Questions and Answers
Read this article for age-appropriate answers to common questions children might have about addiction. Remember, children’s questions will help let you know how much they are ready to hear.

Provider Portrait: Cynthia Galaviz
Watch provider Cynthia Galaviz talk through strategies for working with and supporting children affected by parental addiction.

Karli’s Coloring Quilt
Play this game with children to learn about the seven Cs. You can also print and color this handout with children and encourage them to refer to it when they need a little extra comfort or encouragement.

What’s New

Check out the latest resource from Sesame Workshop to support children and families in your program.

Media and Mindfulness: Navigating Digital Landscapes with Children and Their Families
In this webinar, watch and learn along with children’s media experts as they explore family-friendly ways to engage in today’s media landscape.

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