'Sesame Street' takes on tough issues as Muppet's mom battles drug addiction
The program aims to teach kids, "it’s not your fault."
"Sesame Street" and its Muppet Karli are sparking conversations surrounding parental addiction.
The new initiative is part of the "Sesame Street in Communities" program, which offers free resources for community providers and caregivers on various topics, including tough issues like homelessness and traumatic experiences, according to Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind the popular children's show.
In new videos, "Sesame Street" favorites like Rosita and Abby Cadabby learn that Karli's mother is struggling with a drug addiction and try to help the young Karli cope.
The resources deliver special words to children whose parents are battling addiction: "You are not alone. You will be taken care of. Addiction is a sickness and, as with any sickness, people need help to get better. And most importantly: It’s not your fault," "Sesame Street" said in a news release.
"I used to feel like a lot of things were my fault," Karli says to Elmo in one video. "Especially my mom's problem, but she told me, 'No. It was a grown-up problem. It wasn't because of anything I did.' And she says he loves me, no matter what."
Elmo chimes in, "Elmo loves Karli too...no matter what."
In another video, Karli explains to Elmo and Chris how her mother attends meetings with other adults, while she attends a support group with other kids in her situation.
Karli first made her "Sesame Street" debut in May 2019 as a Muppet in foster care. Karli's “for-now” parents, Dalia and Clem, were also introduced.
"With today’s announcement, Karli’s story line expands to include the reason she was placed in foster care: her mother had to go away for treatment, but now she’s in recovery," "Sesame Street" said.