As a parent, finding effective tools to help my child develop emotionally has always been a top priority. So, when I came across Slumberkins, an emotional learning brand founded by a special education teacher and a family therapist, I was immediately intrigued. Their mission to bring early emotional learning tools into families and schools resonated deeply with me, and I decided to give their products a try. Little did I know, this would be a game – changer for my family.
I started with some of their books and a couple of their adorable plush “creatures.” The first book we read was about a little bear who learned to be confident. The story was simple yet powerful, with beautiful illustrations that captured my child’s attention right away. The plush bear that went along with the book became an instant companion. My child, Lily, who was once a shy and anxious little girl, started to engage with the story in a way that surprised me. She would talk to the bear as if it were a real friend, mimicking the positive affirmations from the book.
Over time, I noticed a gradual but significant change in Lily. She became more willing to express her feelings. Instead of getting frustrated and crying when things didn’t go her way, she would use the words she had learned from the Slumberkins stories to describe how she felt. “Mom, I’m feeling sad because my friend didn’t want to play with me,” she would say, rather than just melting down. This ability to communicate her emotions was a huge step forward.
Another remarkable change was in her confidence. Lily used to be hesitant to try new things, whether it was joining a new playgroup or attempting a new activity at school. But with the help of the Slumberkins “brave wolf” character, she started to embrace new challenges. The wolf’s story about overcoming fears and believing in oneself became a source of inspiration for her. One day, she came home from school excited to tell me that she had raised her hand to answer a question in class, something she had never done before. “I was brave like the wolf, mom!” she exclaimed.
The Slumberkins resources also helped strengthen the bond between Lily and me. Our daily reading sessions became a special time for us to connect. We would discuss the themes of the stories – kindness, resilience, and self – love – and relate them to her daily life. It was a wonderful way to have open and meaningful conversations about emotions, which can sometimes be difficult to approach with a young child.
What I love most about Slumberkins is that their approach is so natural and engaging for children. The combination of storytelling, plush characters, and interactive resources makes emotional learning feel like play. Lily doesn’t realize she’s learning important life skills; she just thinks she’s having fun with her “friends.” And as a parent, I appreciate that the brand is founded on professional expertise in education and therapy, so I know the tools we’re using are backed by sound principles.
Since incorporating Slumberkins into our lives, I’ve seen my child grow into a more compassionate, confident, and resilient little person. She now shows empathy towards others, comforting her friends when they’re upset and sharing her toys without being asked. Her self – esteem has soared, and she faces challenges with a newfound sense of courage.
If you’re a parent or educator looking for ways to help children develop strong emotional skills, I highly recommend exploring Slumberkins. Their growing collection of books and resources offers a unique and effective way to teach children about the importance of love, confidence, and resilience. Watch as your child forms a special bond with their Slumberkins creatures and learns valuable lessons that will stay with them for a lifetime. Trust me, it’s a journey worth taking.
