A Time to Talk | Elmo and His Grown-Ups Manage Big Feelings | Emotional Well-Being

Why It Matters

Consistent, age‑appropriate strategies for distinguishing urgent from non‑urgent communication foster emotional regulation, improving learning outcomes and family dynamics for young children.

Key Takeaways

• Elmo’s excitement often leads to interrupting conversations with adults.
• Parents model waiting skills by distinguishing ‘right now’ versus ‘can wait’ remarks.
• Classroom teacher reinforces turn‑taking, supporting emotional self‑regulation in preschoolers.
• Collaborative ‘Team Elmo’ approach builds consistent messaging across home and school.
• Using playful activities, adults teach children to pause before speaking.

Summary

The video “A Time to Talk” uses Elmo’s classroom antics to illustrate how adults can guide preschoolers in managing big feelings and learning when to speak. It shows a teacher and a parent collaborating to teach Elmo the difference between comments that require immediate attention and those that can wait, reinforcing turn‑taking and emotional self‑regulation.

Key insights include Elmo’s natural excitement causing frequent interruptions, the adult strategy of labeling remarks as “right now” or “can wait,” and the creation of a unified “Team Elmo” mantra that aligns messages at school and home. By modeling patience and asking Elmo to pause, the adults demonstrate how to regulate impulses without stifling enthusiasm.

Notable moments feature Ms. Jennifer noting that “Elmo’s voice fills up the room,” and his dad asking, “Is there something you have to tell me right now, or can it wait?” These exchanges highlight the practical language and supportive tone used to teach self‑control.

The approach underscores the importance of consistent, playful guidance for early social‑emotional development, promising smoother classroom interactions and stronger parent‑teacher partnerships that benefit children’s long‑term communication skills.

Original Description

Elmo and the grown-ups in his life model how talking and listening together helps children navigate big feelings.

Sesame Workshop is the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts. With a mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, we reach families in more than 190 countries with playful early learning so we can empower each generation to build a better world. 

Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more are rooted in deep expertise and designed to meet children’s most pressing needs. From building school readiness and social problem-solving skills, to nurturing children’s appreciation for nature and encouraging emotional well-being, Sesame Workshop is here for children and families — as every caregiver's valued partner and every child's trusted friend.

Learn more at www.sesame.org.