Sometimes kids ask questions that are hard to answer. It's best to answer their questions with words they understand. That’s why our librarians teamed up to put together a new Storytime at Home series, Important Conversations.
This video series on our YouTube channel , opens a new windowfeatures storytimes with beloved Library staff who tackle a variety of subjects like conflict, racism, death and feeling sad.
Through carefully selected books, empathetic songs, and even the use of a puppet or two, Librarians help parents make these topics understandable for young minds. We’ve also curated resources for parents and caregivers to continue the conversation with their child once the storytime is over.
We’ll be adding new Important Conversation videos in the future, so be sure to check back. Here are a few our Librarians have created so far just for you and your family.
Autism
Additional resources
How to Talk to Your Child About Their Neurodiversity from The Mighty
Autism Spectrum Disorder , opens a new windowfrom KidsHealth
Booklist curated by Library staff
Conflict
Additional resources
The "Making Space", opens a new window online video series by Christian Robinson, especially Making Space: Anger , opens a new window
Helping Kids Resolve Conflict , opens a new windowvideo from Sesame Street in Communities
5 Strategies to Help Kids Resolve Conflict , opens a new windowfrom PBS.org
Booklist curated by Library staff
Death of a Pet
Additional resources
Death of Pets: Talking to Children from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Booklist curated by Library staff
Don't Touch My Hair
Additional resources
How to Teach Children about Cultural Awareness and Diversity, opens a new window from PBS.org
Good Hair, opens a new window; film by Chris Rock
“Natural Hair” playlist , opens a new windowfrom The Chic Natural
“Natural Hairstyles”, opens a new window and “Healthy Hair Tips”, opens a new window playlists from NaturalNeiicey
Booklist curated by Library staff
Feeling Sick
Additional resources
Talking with Children About the Serious Illness of a Family Member from Bright Horizons
Talking to Your Child about lllness, opens a new window from AboutKidsHealth
Talking with Children and Youth About Serious Illness, opens a new window from Canadian Virtual Hospice
Watch the entire CNN/Sesame Street coronavirus town hall, opens a new window from CNN
Booklist (Coming soon!)
Marching to Make a Difference
Additional resources
Early Childhood Resilience Tip Sheets from Joining Forces for Children
After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal, opens a new window from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
How to Talk to Your Kids About Injustice, Racism, and Protests, opens a new window from Healthline
Social Justice Resources, opens a new window from The Children’s Community School
Booklist curated by Library staff
Whiteness and Racism
Additional resources
How White Parents Can Talk to Their Kids About Race, opens a new window from NPR
They’re Not Too Young to Talk About Race: An Infographic, opens a new window by The Children’s Community School
Beyond the Golden Rule: A Parent’s Guide to Preventing and Responding to Prejudice , opens a new windowby Dana Williams
Add a comment to: Navigate important conversations with our new storytime videos