Sesame Street’s Grover Joins Universities Like Georgetown and Puget Sound in Supporting Students’ Mental Health During the Tense Election Period with Relaxation Initiatives

As Election Day approaches, many kids are feeling a sense of anxiety.

In an effort to comfort them, Sesame Street has stepped in with some helpful advice.

On Monday, Grover, the blue Muppet, took to social media to share a message of reassurance.

His post, which included a graphic of the fuzzy character looking a bit troubled, encouraged children to recognize that it’s okay to feel anxious.

“It’s okay to feel anxious,” the message read, reminding young viewers that everyone experiences overwhelming moments, and that they’re not alone in their feelings.

The popular children’s show is part of a larger movement offering support for kids who might be feeling stressed about the election.

Various initiatives have been created to help ease the worries of America’s youth, focusing on mental well-being and self-care during a time of heightened tension.

Georgetown University Provides a “Self-Care Suite” for Students

Grover isn’t the only one spreading comfort ahead of Election Day.

At Georgetown University, students at the McCourt School of Public Policy have been offered a unique way to cope with their stress: self-care suites.

Located on the third floor of the school’s Commons, these relaxation spaces are filled with activities designed to help students unwind.

In an email sent to students, Jaclyn Clevenger, the director of student engagement, explained that these suites are meant to be a safe space to relax and recharge.

Students can take part in mindfulness exercises, enjoy snacks, and even play with Legos to help alleviate their worries.

For some students, a bit of nostalgia might be just what they need to cope with the overwhelming political climate.

Puget Sound Offers Weeklong Refuge with Anti-Election Cupcakes

Not to be outdone, the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, has taken things a step further.

While the self-care suites at Georgetown are just for Election Day, Puget Sound is offering its students a weeklong retreat.

During this time, students can indulge in anti-election cupcakes and spend time in a “walkable labyrinth” complete with soothing music and calming lighting.

For those looking for more hands-on activities, the school offers arts and crafts, such as beading and canvas-bag decorating.

After the election, students can also attend a “Pause for Paws” event, where they can interact with therapy animals to help them unwind.

And if all that wasn’t enough, the school is hosting a post-election event where students can process their feelings by creating collages or journaling with self-care prompts.

A baked potato bar will be available for extra comfort.

Jerry Seinfeld Criticizes School’s Approach to Emotional Support

While some universities and schools are offering these self-care initiatives, not everyone agrees with this approach.

Famous comedian Jerry Seinfeld recently criticized the Ethical Culture Fieldston School, a private school that charges over $65,000 a year in tuition, for offering emotional support to students after the election.

The school has told its students that they can take the day off if they feel emotionally distressed, and there will be no classes, homework, or assessments on Wednesday, the day after the election.

Seinfeld, whose son attended the school, was not happy with this decision.

Speaking to The New York Times, he said, “What kind of lives have these people led that makes them think this is the right way to handle young people?”

He expressed frustration that this approach might teach kids to shy away from difficult situations instead of facing them head-on, calling it a “lesson to buckle.”

The Growing Trend of Election Day Self-Care

While the debate over the appropriateness of these initiatives continues, it’s clear that many are concerned about the emotional well-being of students during this high-stakes election season.

Schools and universities across the country are recognizing the need for spaces where young people can feel supported and cared for during stressful times.

How this trend will evolve in the future remains to be seen.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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