I’ve been a Sesame Street fan all my life, and this video with life coach Cookie Monster reminded me just how much I love it. One reason is because good advice is timeless, and another is that we need to hear at all ages that being ourselves is a great way to go.
I love that in the beginning Cookie Monster empathizes with his coachees. He says he’s making a sad face because they are making a sad face. The technique of empathizing before offering advice or help is a great one for parent. It is an approach that works on one age, be it empathizing with a toddler having a rough day sharing or a teenager frustrated by math homework.
And I love Cookie Monster’s wisdom. The furry blue guy is right – whatever your cookie may be in life, go for it. “YOU EAT THE COOKIE!” he says.
Find whatever your cookie is and devour it with great abandon. Also, enjoy yourself while you’re doing it. Don’t hold back. Nom nom nom.
Finally, the guy who asked, “Do you ever try to be someone that you’re not to make other people happy?” The way Cookie Monster responds later by telling him about his shirt, “I love it. Because it is YOU.” I admit it, I got slightly verklempt, I think because Cookie said it so very earnestly, and there’s something so awesome seeing the face of someone getting affirmation.
Moms spend a lot of time making other people happy. I wish there were more Cookie Monsters telling moms to take time to be themselves and reminding them that they are enough. If doing a craft with your kid isn’t your thing, that’s okay. If being a classroom party volunteer makes you want to curl up in a ball in the corner, you can politely decline the request.
We all have strengths that are unique to us and that make us a great parent for our child. Being yourself is a truly wonderful example to set for your kids.
Follow the wise advise of Cookie Monster, life coach. Be you. Encourage your kids to be themselves. Should you choose to do so over a shared plate of cookies and glasses of milk, all the better.
You may also like: Happy 45th birthday, Sesame Street, and thank you
Prior post: Facts about the Vernal Equinox for the first day of Spring
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