There’s a Homeless Kid on Sesame Street

The friends on Sesame Street are welcoming a new neighbor who is struggling with some very tough problems. Plus, why some parents are skipping holiday gifts this year. And did you see the disturbing video of NYPD officers brutally jerking an infant from the arms of his pleading mother? It’s tough to watch, but important to inform yourself about. It’s all right here in our Weekly Links.

1. Sesame Street has a new neighbor: Lily is a 7-year-old muppet who stays with friends because she is homeless. The show hopes to educate little viewers about homelessness, and help homeless viewers feel better about their situation — because “home” is more than a house: it’s the love of friends.

2. Public backlash is strong, but still no repercussions for the NYPD police officers caught on cell phone video violently ripping a one-year-old baby from his mother’s arms at a Brooklyn food stamp office, after the mother and a security guard got into a verbal agreement.

3. What are you getting your kids, this holiday season? Many parents are choosing the “no gift” route, saying their children just get so many things all year long. Instead, they are opting for experiences, and we gotta say, we’re kind of liking the idea.

4. In case you are choosing gifts, though, here’s Well Rounded’s ultimate gift guide for everyone on your list: mom, dad, baby and even big sib! Lots to be thankful for!

5. On that note, we’ve seen a lot of stories this week about how to teach your children gratitude. We’re loving this piece on Fatherly, because it really breaks down why gratitude is important and yet so freaking hard to teach.

6. And just a little heads up: there must be something about the holiday season that gets people in the mood. Statistically, September is the month most babies are born, that means December is the month people are getting busy. So cheers to you, or, I don’t know, make sure you’re being safe *shoulder shrug*.

7. The House of Representatives just approved the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act to help states better track and investigate deaths of expectant and new mothers. Though the Senate still needs to pass the bill, this landmark legislation would be a big first step towards shedding light on America’s maternal mortality crisis.