Parents' Guide to Sesame Street Kids' Guide to Life: Big Bird Gets Lost

Kids have to know what to do when they get lost, and this video instructs them in a simple and practical way. Adults will pick up some new ideas about safety, and kids will be armed with important skills: Stick with the adult who brought you to the store. If you get lost, don't leave the store. And, find a store employee and tell him or her your name, address, and phone number. That's tough stuff, but the video simplifies it with clear instructions and even a song to help kids remember their phone number.

Kids will also learn to look for someone in a uniform (like a police officer) if they can't find a store employee. They will also see how a map can help them find their way in a mall or amusement park. Best of all, none of this information is presented to frighten children. On the video, kids' first encounter with getting lost is when Little Bo Peep loses her sheep, and that's too funny to be scary. Big Bird does get anxious when he's lost, but the story is carefully constructed to avoid heightening children's fear. The video has three minor problems. If an area code is an important part of your phone number, you will have to tweak the lyrics of the "Numba Rhumba." And, unfortunately, the video does not include an address song. Try the Wee Sing Together video for a good one. Finally, the map lesson is confusing and kids will need extra navigational training. In the end, those are small complaints. Don't miss this video!