Sesame Street is a brilliant show. We tend to glorify sloppy violence and ultra-dark themes but those are more than easy, in fact, they are often gratuitous and masturbatory! It takes much more intention to make something so beautiful, creative, and playful.
Play is one of the highest forms of present-ness with another person. Compliments, cheerleading, pep talks all have a short lifespan. They're impersonal and don't actually require much effort. Play is a beautiful way to communicate to someone else that they are worthy of your sustained attentions, time, and imagination, and the fact that Sesame Street managed to do that for thousands of kids is nothing short of true genius.
