Growing up, I loved the activities every little boy or girl did: playing outside, singing songs, drawing, and watching early morning cartoons. I especially loved watching Sesame Street. There was just something so fun and magical about those furry monsters and all of their adventures.

Now, as a mom myself, Sesame Street has reentered my life. While my son, Isaac, loves the songs Elmo and his friends sing and adores the games they play, I love Sesame Street for a different reason. Since the first airing of Sesame Street on November 10, 1969, the children's television show has continuously taught valuable life lessons that everyone, child and adult, needs to learn. Here are five major things that Sesame Street has taught me.

Friends come in all shapes and sizes: On Sesame Street, no two characters look quite the same. Elmo has vibrant red fur and a bright orange nose, Big Bird is bright yellow and covered in feathers, and Oscar the Grouch is green and covered in garbage and grime. Some characters, like Abby the fairy, are petite, while others like Mr. Snuffleupagus are huge. The residents on Sesame Street don't mind the uniqueness of their friends' appearances. They embrace them.

Keep learning: Every episode of Sesame Street features the characters learning something new. Elmo and his pals are always excited to learn, whether it be about letters, numbers, music, different types of games, or holidays. The excitement of learning drives each episode and is a great way of thinking.

Don't be afraid to talk about problems or to get help: Many of the characters on Sesame Street deal with tough problems, such as the divorce of their parents, a parent's death, a disability, and even bullying. However, Sesame Street also encourages its' viewers to find a trusted friend or adult to discuss their feelings. No topic is off limits and no problem is stigmatized. That is crucial for the real world.

Be positive: No matter what is going on, the monsters on this street think positively! Oh, it's raining on the day of our picnic? Let's just jump in puddles or have a picnic inside. We accidentally knocked over Big Bird's block castle? Let's help him rebuild it! No one stays down in the dumps for very long.

And finally,

When in doubt, have a cookie: When you're feeling in need of a little comfort, treat yourself. Ernie takes a bath with his rubber ducky, the Count counts bats, Elmo chats his goldfish, and Cookie Monster nom-nom-noms on cookies. Eat a cookie, sing a song, read a book, or go for a walk in the park--anything you need to do for a pick me up.

Overall, Sesame Street is a great television show for children and adults alike. The show teaches valuable life lessons, such as being positive, learning something new daily, getting help when you need it, accepting and embracing diversity, and treating yourself. Each of these lessons can be applied at any age.