Sesame Workshop

Sesame Street for Military Families (SS4MF): Caregiving

Location: National

The approximately 1.1 million caregivers for post-9/11 service members and veterans are strikingly different from most caregivers, who predominantly serve elderly spouses and family members. The post-9/11 caregivers are often young themselves, are more likely to be caring for a child or a spouse in a relatively young marriage and may be providing that care for a young veteran with multiple challenges, to include TBI and other physical injuries, PTSD, and limited employment or educational options. However, we know little about the impact of family caregiving on children’s well-being; little research and few resources exist to support these children. SS4MF: Caregiving addresses the impact of caregiving and provides guidance and support for military and veteran families with young children (ages 2-8) to help them cope and build resilience while dealing with the challenges of living with a wounded, ill, or injured parent. Following initial BWF funding to identify and develop this curriculum, this grant will help permit Sesame Workshop to complete valuable resources for military families addressing three fundamental themes and strategies: Comfort and Strength, Sharing and Talking, and Routines.