7 Secret Lessons in Elmo’s Characteristics Your Child Learns

Sometimes, the most profound lessons come from the most unexpected, and often, the most beloved, places.

Beyond the Tickle: Unlocking Elmo’s Seven Secrets for Raising Resilient Kids

For generations, the familiar brownstone stoops and vibrant, diverse residents of Sesame Street have been a cornerstone of childhood, a place where learning magically intertwines with laughter. Amidst a cast of unforgettable characters, one particularly effervescent, furry red monster stands out, captivating the hearts of millions with his infectious giggle and signature phrase, "Elmo loves you!" More than just a friendly face who loves to be tickled, Elmo has quietly, yet profoundly, influenced the formative years of countless children worldwide.

Elmo: An Unsung Hero in Early Childhood Development

While often celebrated for his entertaining antics, the core thesis of our journey together is to reveal that Elmo is far more than just a lovable puppet; he is, in fact, one of the most impactful, albeit understated, role models for children. His every interaction, every curious question, and every joyful affirmation serves as a subtle, yet powerful, guide for young minds navigating their first steps into the complex world of emotions and social connections. He embodies an ideal for youthful exploration, making him an invaluable, unintentional educator.

Uncovering Elmo’s Hidden Lessons

Our purpose in this article is to pull back the curtain and uncover the seven ‘secret’ lessons embedded deep within Elmo’s delightful personality traits. These aren’t just cute quirks; they are vital, foundational principles for early childhood development, cleverly woven into his everyday adventures and interactions on Sesame Street. From his boundless enthusiasm to his unwavering optimism, Elmo’s character is a masterclass in how to navigate challenges, celebrate differences, and embrace self-discovery.

The Elmo Effect: Building Emotional Intelligence from a Young Age

Crucially, Elmo’s character is intrinsically connected to the development of vital life skills, particularly in the realm of social-emotional learning (SEL). Through his relatable experiences – whether he’s expressing joy, confusion, or a momentary frustration – Elmo provides a gentle, accessible introduction to understanding and managing emotions. He is a pioneer in demonstrating how to build emotional intelligence from a very young age, teaching children to identify feelings, practice empathy, and communicate their needs effectively. His world is a safe space where every emotion is acknowledged, and every problem is an opportunity for growth, laying the groundwork for resilient, emotionally intelligent individuals.

Let’s begin our exploration of Elmo’s profound impact by uncovering the first, and perhaps most fundamental, of his hidden lessons.

Beyond his iconic giggle and furry red exterior, Elmo’s most profound influence often stems from the subtle, yet powerful, lessons he imparts daily.

Heartfelt Connections: Elmo’s Secret to Unlocking Unconditional Kindness and Empathy

One of the most remarkable aspects of Elmo’s character is his unwavering commitment to kindness and empathy. He truly embodies what it means to be a good friend and a compassionate member of any community, consistently demonstrating these vital qualities to every character he encounters on Sesame Street. From his beloved goldfish, Dorothy, to the perpetually grumpy Oscar the Grouch, Elmo approaches everyone with an open heart and a genuine desire to connect.

A Masterclass in Caring

Elmo’s actions provide children with a tangible blueprint for kind behavior. Think about the countless times you’ve seen him readily share his toys, like offering his crayons to a friend so they can draw together, or enthusiastically inviting someone to join his game. These seemingly simple acts teach children the value of generosity and inclusion. When a friend is feeling down or sad, Elmo is often the first to offer a comforting hug, a gentle pat on the back, or a reassuring "Elmo loves you!" These moments are crucial for showing young viewers how to express care and provide emotional support. He consistently uses encouraging words, celebrating his friends’ successes and offering gentle encouragement when they face a challenge, fostering an environment of mutual respect and upliftment.

This consistent display of warmth and understanding is more than just good manners; it’s a masterclass in empathy. By observing Elmo, children learn to recognize and respond to the feelings of others. They see how Elmo notices when someone is quiet, sad, or frustrated, and then actively tries to understand and address that feeling. This teaches them to look beyond their own immediate desires and consider the perspectives and emotional states of those around them.

The impact of these lessons is profound. By internalizing Elmo’s gentle approach, children begin to develop strong social skills, learning how to navigate friendships, resolve minor conflicts, and build positive peer relationships. This focus on understanding and managing emotions, showing compassion, and forming healthy connections is a cornerstone of social-emotional learning (SEL) – the vital process through which children acquire and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Elmo, in his own unique way, makes SEL accessible and incredibly engaging for the youngest learners.

Here are a few examples of how Elmo’s simple acts translate into powerful SEL skills for children:

Elmo’s Act of Kindness	The SEL Skill It Teaches Children
Sharing his cookies with Grover	Generosity, turn-taking, and cooperation
Offering a hug to a sad Abby	Recognizing emotions, offering comfort, and compassion
Using encouraging words for Big Bird’s drawing	Building self-esteem, positive communication, and support

These fundamental lessons in kindness and empathy are just the beginning; Elmo also masterfully guides children to discover the joy of asking "why?" and exploring the world around them.

Beyond opening our hearts with kindness and empathy, another vital secret to navigating the world with joy and understanding lies in opening our minds.

Unlocking the World: Why ‘Elmo Wants to Know!’ Is Our Superpower

Step into the vibrant, giggling world of Sesame Street, and you’ll quickly discover a little red monster who embodies a trait fundamental to human growth: boundless curiosity. Elmo, with his infectious enthusiasm and signature phrase, "Elmo wants to know!", isn’t just asking a question; he’s inviting every child to join him on an exhilarating journey of discovery. His every interaction is a testament to the power of inquisitiveness, turning the everyday into an extraordinary adventure.

Elmo: Our Guide to the Wonderful World of Questions

Elmo’s curiosity is a beacon, shining brightly for children everywhere. Whether he’s wondering how a bird can fly, where rain comes from, or why his friend Cookie Monster loves cookies so much, Elmo’s persistent ‘wants to know’ attitude models a beautiful approach to the world. He teaches children that it’s not only okay to ask questions, but it’s essential. This playful push encourages young ones to poke, prod, touch, listen, and look closely at their surroundings, transforming their environment into a giant, interactive classroom. Learning, through Elmo’s eyes, is never a chore; it’s a delightful exploration, a joyful adventure waiting to unfold with every ‘why’ and ‘how’.

The Curious Mind: Building Critical Thinkers

This innate curiosity isn’t just about fun; it’s a cornerstone of early childhood development, directly paving the way for critical thinking and problem-solving skills. When a child asks ‘why,’ they’re not just seeking an answer; they’re beginning to understand cause and effect. When they explore how something works, they’re developing observational skills and hypothesizing. Elmo’s journey of inquiry, often met with various attempts and observations, demonstrates that understanding comes from asking, experimenting, and sometimes even making mistakes. These early experiences lay the foundation for analytical thought, helping children learn to evaluate information, make connections, and devise solutions to challenges, big or small.

A Day in ‘Elmo’s World’: The Journey of Discovery

Imagine a typical scene from ‘Elmo’s World.’ The playful, crayon-drawn setting buzzes with Elmo’s energy. Today, Elmo is pondering musical instruments. He sees a drum, a guitar, and a flute, and his eyes widen. "Elmo wants to know!" he exclaims, "How do these instruments make sounds?"

First, he consults his good friend, Mr. Noodle. Mr. Noodle attempts to play the drum by trying to eat it, then by using a banana as a drumstick, resulting in comical, non-musical thuds. Elmo giggles and kindly redirects. Then, a quick video segment appears on his television, showing children happily tapping, plucking, and blowing into instruments, explaining how vibrations create sound. Finally, Elmo might chat with a real child, who demonstrates how hitting a drumhead or strumming a guitar string makes it vibrate, creating music.

Through this simple, narrative journey, Elmo not only discovers how instruments make sound but also experiences the pure joy of the learning process. He demonstrates patience, observation, and the thrill of connecting different pieces of information to form a complete understanding. He doesn’t just get an answer; he experiences the answer, reinforcing that learning is an active, engaging process.

As children embrace the joy of discovery through curiosity, they also learn an invaluable lesson that helps them when things don’t go as planned.

Building on the spark of endless curiosity, it’s inevitable that our little learners will encounter challenges, and how they navigate those moments is where the next secret truly shines.

What Happens When Elmo’s Tower Tumbles? The Power of ‘Try, Try Again’

Elmo, with his infectious giggle and big, red fur, is a beloved figure for many reasons, but perhaps one of his most powerful lessons comes from his remarkable resilience. Life, even in the sunny world of Sesame Street, isn’t always easy, and Elmo often finds himself facing new tasks that don’t quite go as planned. Yet, his frustration is rarely long-lasting; instead, it’s a temporary hurdle before he dives back in with renewed determination.

The Magic of Not Giving Up

Imagine Elmo with a pile of colorful building blocks, eager to construct the tallest, grandest tower ever. He carefully places one block, then another, then a third. Uh oh! The blocks wobble, teeter, and then – crash! – they tumble to the floor. Elmo might let out a little "Oh no!" or a big sigh, his brow furrowed in temporary disappointment. For a moment, he might even sit amidst the scattered blocks, unsure of what to do. But Elmo doesn’t stay down for long. His initial frustration quickly gives way to a spark of an idea, and with a cheerful "Elmo try again!", he begins to gather the blocks once more.

Elmo’s Wobbly Tower Adventure

This isn’t just a one-off event. We see Elmo consistently in scenarios where new skills require effort and multiple attempts. Whether it’s learning to ride a tricycle, mastering a new song, or, indeed, building that perfect block tower, Elmo embraces the process. He might try stacking the blocks differently, perhaps choosing a wider base, or asking for help if he’s truly stuck, but the core of his learning is always that same spirit: trying again, and again, and again. Each time the tower falls, it’s not a failure; it’s an opportunity to learn something new about balance, gravity, or technique.

Why Elmo’s ‘Try Again’ Matters for Little Learners

Elmo’s consistent example of bouncing back has a profoundly positive influence on children. When they see their furry friend struggle, get a little frustrated, and then courageously try again, it teaches them several vital lessons:

• Mistakes are Normal: It normalizes the experience of making mistakes as an inherent and natural part of learning. It shows children that nobody gets it right the first time, and that’s perfectly okay.
• Frustration is Temporary: It models how to manage frustration, showing that while it’s a valid feeling, it doesn’t have to be a roadblock to progress.
• Perseverance Pays Off: It cultivates perseverance and grit, demonstrating that sustained effort, even in the face of setbacks, ultimately leads to success or at least significant progress.

From Perseverance to a Powerful ‘Growth Mindset’

This core personality trait – the ability to persist and learn from mistakes – is foundational to developing what psychologists call a ‘growth mindset.’ A growth mindset is the belief that one’s abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work, rather than being fixed traits. When children internalize Elmo’s ‘try, try again’ philosophy, they begin to understand that their efforts matter, that challenges are opportunities for growth, and that setbacks are just temporary detours on the path to mastery. This crucial understanding becomes a key factor in their future academic and personal success, equipping them with the resilience needed to face any challenge life throws their way.

Yet, those "oh no!" moments Elmo experiences aren’t just about trying again; they’re also about acknowledging and dealing with those big feelings safely…

While fostering resilience helps our little ones bounce back from life’s inevitable bumps, an equally vital skill is learning how to understand and articulate the kaleidoscope of emotions swirling inside them.

Decoding Little Hearts: How Elmo Teaches the Language of Feelings

Imagine a world where every big feeling, from bubbling joy to sizzling frustration, could be named, understood, and expressed without fear or chaos. For millions of young viewers, this world exists, expertly guided by a furry, red muppet named Elmo. He’s not just a cheerful puppet; he’s a masterclass in emotional literacy, providing children with a foundational script for navigating their own complex inner lives.

Elmo’s Open Book of Emotions

One of Elmo’s most remarkable gifts is his uninhibited and transparent way of expressing himself. Whether he’s giggling with delight over a new discovery, bouncing with excitement at a playdate, sighing with genuine sadness when a toy breaks, or furrowing his brow in frustration over a tricky puzzle, Elmo wears his heart on his sleeve. He doesn’t just feel these emotions; he articulates them in a way that is clear, simple, and perfectly manageable for young viewers to grasp. This candidness offers a profound lesson: all feelings are valid, and expressing them is a natural part of being human.

The Foundation of Emotional Intelligence

This consistent, open modeling is a fundamental lesson in Emotional Intelligence (EI). Children learn by imitation, and Elmo provides a clear, actionable blueprint. Instead of witnessing characters suppress emotions or react explosively, they see Elmo actively name what he’s feeling. This seemingly simple act is incredibly powerful, teaching toddlers and preschoolers that there’s a language for their inner experiences. It’s a critical first step in self-awareness, enabling them to identify and understand their own feelings before they can even begin to manage them.

For instance, when Elmo encounters a challenge, you won’t typically see him throwing a tantrum or shutting down. Instead, with a slight pout and a determined voice, he might exclaim, "Elmo is frustrated!" or "Elmo feels sad because his block tower fell down." This distinction between feeling an emotion and acting it out impulsively is a cornerstone of healthy emotional development. He demonstrates that frustration is a feeling, not an action, providing a safe and constructive alternative to crying, hitting, or screaming.

Building an Emotional Vocabulary for Social-Emotional Learning

The consistent exposure to Elmo naming his feelings helps children develop a robust emotional vocabulary. Imagine a child who can say, "I’m frustrated because my train won’t connect," instead of just grunting or crying. This ability to articulate emotions is not merely about words; it’s about gaining control and understanding. It transforms amorphous, overwhelming sensations into recognizable, nameable experiences. This skill is a critical component of Social-emotional learning (SEL), empowering children to:

• Self-regulate: If you can name it, you can begin to tame it.
• Communicate needs: Clearly expressing what you feel helps others understand and respond appropriately.
• Develop empathy: Understanding one’s own feelings lays the groundwork for recognizing and respecting the feelings of others.

Here’s how Elmo consistently models healthy emotional responses for common toddler feelings:

Common Toddler Emotion	How Elmo Models a Healthy Response
Frustration	"Elmo is frustrated!" or "This is hard!" followed by trying again or asking for help.
Joy	"Elmo is so happy!" with wide smiles, laughter, and enthusiastic body language.
Sadness	"Elmo feels sad" with a gentle frown, often followed by seeking comfort or a hug.
Excitement	"Wow! Elmo is so excited!" with bouncing, clapping, and expressive vocalizations.
Anger	"Elmo is a little mad right now" often expressed with a firm tone and clear boundaries, not aggression.
Curiosity	"What’s that? Elmo wants to know!" expressed with wide eyes and investigative questions.

By watching Elmo, children receive an invaluable toolkit for identifying, expressing, and ultimately managing their big feelings, paving the way for confident self-expression and stronger connections with the world around them. And speaking of connections, understanding oneself is often the first step towards truly understanding and embracing the people we share our lives with.

Having learned the vital skill of understanding and expressing our own big feelings safely, we’re now ready to turn our attention outward, to the wonderful world of others.

Beyond Fur, Feathers, and Scales: Elmo’s Open Arms and the Power of Universal Friendship

Step into the vibrant, whimsical world of Sesame Street, and you’ll immediately notice its rich tapestry of characters. It’s a place where giggling monsters live alongside humans, grouches reside in trash cans, and giant yellow birds share their wisdom. This wonderfully diverse neighborhood isn’t just for show; it’s a powerful lesson in living together, and at the heart of it all is a little red monster with an even bigger heart: Elmo.

Elmo’s Blueprint for Unconditional Acceptance

One of Elmo’s most endearing qualities is his boundless capacity for friendship. He approaches every new face with an open heart and an outstretched hand, or rather, a fuzzy red arm. It doesn’t matter if you’re a towering human, a furry blue monster with a penchant for cookies, or a cheerful Honker who communicates with a squeeze of their nose – Elmo sees a friend. His curiosity and genuine warmth break down any perceived barriers, demonstrating that true connection transcends superficial differences. He doesn’t categorize; he simply connects.

This simple yet profound approach serves as a powerful, everyday lesson for children. Through Elmo’s interactions, they learn that friendship isn’t about finding someone exactly like you, but about embracing the unique qualities of every individual. It teaches them to:

• Look Beyond Appearances: Elmo shows that a monster’s fur or a human’s skin color doesn’t define their heart or their potential as a friend.
• Embrace Novelty: He models how to approach the unknown with excitement rather than fear, turning differences into sources of wonder.
• Practice Empathy: By genuinely engaging with all kinds of characters, Elmo encourages understanding and appreciation for different perspectives and ways of being.

Fostering Inclusivity and Global Citizenship from an Early Age

Elmo’s open and accepting nature isn’t just cute; it’s incredibly impactful. For young children, this positive influence helps to subtly dismantle prejudice before it even has a chance to form. When kids see their beloved Elmo befriend someone who looks, sounds, or acts differently, it normalizes diversity and teaches them that variations are not to be feared or judged, but celebrated. This foundational understanding plants the seeds for a more inclusive mindset, laying the groundwork for a world where everyone feels valued.

This early exposure to universal acceptance also plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of global citizenship. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, understanding and respecting diverse cultures and backgrounds is paramount. By demonstrating that friendship knows no bounds – no species, no color, no language barrier (beyond the occasional Honker honk!) – Elmo helps children develop a worldview rooted in compassion and mutual respect. They learn that the world is a big, beautiful place filled with all kinds of wonderful people, and that reaching out across differences enriches everyone’s lives.

Ultimately, Elmo’s personality traits of boundless acceptance and unwavering friendliness are more than just charming characteristics. They are the building blocks of a compassionate worldview, teaching us all that love, understanding, and friendship truly are for everyone, everywhere.

This outward embrace of others, fueled by Elmo’s example, also subtly guides us toward a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

Just as embracing the unique qualities of others strengthens our bonds, understanding ourselves is a journey that often begins in the most unexpected ways.

Elmo’s Secret Mirror: How Third-Person Talk Shapes a Child’s Sense of Self

Walk into almost any household with young children, and you’re likely to hear a particular, endearing linguistic quirk from a furry red friend: Elmo. While some might chuckle or even poke fun at his tendency to speak in the third person – phrases like "Elmo loves you!" or "Elmo wants to play!" – this isn’t just a quirky character trait. It’s a remarkably insightful, subtle nod to a crucial stage in early childhood development, serving as a powerful tool for self-awareness.

The Quirk with a Purpose: Elmo’s Third-Person Talk

Elmo’s distinctive way of referring to himself by his name, rather than "I" or "me," is more than just a cute habit; it’s a carefully chosen linguistic strategy. For many adults, it might seem like a grammatical oversight, but for the show’s target audience – toddlers and preschoolers – it resonates deeply. It’s a mirror reflecting their own natural communication patterns as they navigate the complex waters of identity formation.

Echoes of Early Childhood Development

Think back to how very young children often speak. Before they fully grasp the abstract concept of "I" as a personal pronoun, they commonly refer to themselves by their own name. A toddler might exclaim, "Jamie hungry!" or "Sarah wants juice!" This isn’t a mistake; it’s a vital, natural stage in their cognitive and linguistic development. By using their own name, children begin to distinguish themselves as separate, individual beings in the world. It’s how they build a foundational sense of self and start to forge their unique identity. Elmo, through his speech, perfectly mirrors this developmental phase, creating an immediate, intuitive connection with his young viewers.

Validating Young Viewers and Fostering Growth

When Elmo speaks this way, young viewers don’t find it strange; they find it familiar and comforting. It makes them feel profoundly understood and validated. Seeing a beloved character speak just like they do reinforces that their way of communicating, their stage of self-discovery, is normal and good. This subtle validation plays a significant role in reinforcing a key milestone in their cognitive and emotional growth. It helps them consolidate their understanding of themselves as distinct individuals, fostering a sense of confidence in their burgeoning identity.

More Than a Quirk: A Building Block of Emotional Intelligence

Far from being a linguistic mistake, Elmo’s third-person talk is a brilliant pedagogical choice. It serves as a gentle, yet powerful, reinforcement of self-awareness – the ability to understand one’s own feelings, thoughts, and values. This foundational self-awareness is a critical building block of Emotional Intelligence, enabling children to eventually understand how their actions affect others and to navigate their feelings more effectively. By embracing this natural stage of development, Elmo helps children take their first steps toward a deeper understanding of who they are, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of emotional growth.

And as children learn to understand themselves, they also discover the boundless power of looking at the world with a sense of wonder and unshakeable hope.

Moving from understanding oneself through third-person talk, it’s equally essential to equip children with the emotional tools to navigate the world with a positive and hopeful outlook.

Elmo’s Sunshine: How Little Joys Build Big Hearts

Step into Elmo’s world for even a moment, and you’re immediately enveloped in an aura of pure, unadulterated joy. There’s no character quite like Elmo when it comes to radiating optimism, an unwavering belief that every day holds something wonderful. For Elmo, happiness isn’t a grand, elusive quest; it’s right there, in the simplest of moments. Watch him with a bouncing ball, and his giggles are infectious, as if he’s discovered the most amazing phenomenon. Present him with a brand new crayon, and his eyes light up with the wonder of limitless possibilities. This ability to find extraordinary delight in the ordinary is a powerful lesson in itself.

The Ripple Effect of Positive Influence

Elmo’s sunny disposition isn’t just charming; it’s a profound positive influence that subtly yet significantly shapes a child’s nascent outlook. When children consistently see a beloved character like Elmo approach challenges with a smile, celebrate small victories, and extend warmth to everyone, they begin to internalize these behaviors. This positive modeling encourages them to:

• See the Good: They learn to notice the kindness in others, the beauty in their surroundings, and the inherent fun in everyday activities.
• Embrace Enthusiasm: Elmo’s zest for life teaches children that it’s okay, and even wonderful, to be excited about learning, playing, and making new friends.
• Foster Compassion: By observing Elmo’s interactions, children learn to approach others with an open heart and a willingness to see the best in them.

This gentle guidance helps lay the foundation for a worldview where possibilities outweigh problems, and connection is prioritized over conflict.

Cheerful Resilience: Bouncing Back the Elmo Way

What might seem like mere cheerfulness in Elmo is, in fact, a masterclass in resilience for young minds. Life, even for a toddler, is full of minor disappointments – a block tower that topples, a crayon that breaks, a favorite toy that’s momentarily misplaced. Instead of dwelling on these setbacks, Elmo often responds with a temporary "Oh, well!" before excitedly moving on to the next adventure or finding a new way to approach the old one.

This inherent ability to "bounce back" from minor frustrations with a positive attitude teaches children that:

• Disappointments are Temporary: It’s okay for things not to go perfectly; the feeling of frustration doesn’t last forever.
• Adaptability is Key: If one way doesn’t work, there’s always another approach to try.
• Optimism Fuels Persistence: A positive outlook helps them push through challenges rather than giving up.

Elmo shows them that a little "oops" isn’t the end of the world, but rather an opportunity to learn, adjust, and find joy in a different direction. It’s a foundational lesson in coping with life’s small bumps, preparing them for larger ones down the road.

Optimism: A Cornerstone for Long-Term Well-being

The consistent exposure to Elmo’s joyful optimism and cheerful resilience isn’t just about making children happy in the moment; it’s an investment in their long-term mental and emotional well-being. Children who develop an optimistic outlook early on are often better equipped to:

• Manage Stress: They tend to see challenges as temporary and manageable, reducing feelings of overwhelm.
• Build Stronger Relationships: Their positive demeanor attracts others and fosters healthier social connections.
• Achieve Goals: A belief in positive outcomes encourages persistence and a proactive approach to learning and growth.
• Maintain Positive Mental Health: Cultivating joy and gratitude from a young age can act as a protective factor against future emotional difficulties.

By embracing Elmo’s lessons in finding joy and bouncing back, children are building a robust emotional toolkit that will serve them throughout their lives, fostering a profound sense of inner peace and happiness.

This enduring spirit of joy and resilience is just one of the many reasons Elmo stands out as an exceptional guide for young minds.

So, there you have it – the magnificent seven ‘secret’ lessons from our friend Elmo: his unwavering kindness, boundless curiosity, incredible resilience, healthy emotional expression, radical inclusivity, subtle self-awareness, and infectious optimism. It’s clear that Elmo’s character is no accident; he is a masterfully designed tool for early childhood development, delivering profound life lessons in the most accessible and joyful way imaginable.

The lasting impact of positive media role models on a child’s social-emotional learning (SEL) and burgeoning emotional intelligence cannot be overstated. So, next time you settle down with your little one to watch Sesame Street, don’t just watch – engage. Point out Elmo’s wonderful personality traits in action. By doing so, you’ll be actively reinforcing these invaluable lessons, helping your child build a strong, compassionate, and resilient foundation for life. Go ahead, give Elmo a big hug for all he teaches us!