“Beneath every behavior is a feeling. And beneath every feeling is a need.”
Ashleigh Warner, Clinical Social Worker & Therapist
Understand the Feeling. Meet the Need. Change the Behavior.
When your kids are stressed or anxious, and they don’t have the words to tell you what’s going on, they will act out, shut down or say, “my tummy hurts.”
Your go-to reaction is to fix the behavior. But until you and your kiddo understand their feelings and needs and can respond vs. react, the behavior will continue.
If you can mention it, you can manage it. ~ Mr. Rogers
Connection Zoo™
A social and emotional skills toolkit that gives your kids the words to tell you what they’re experiencing
and skills to manage big emotions and social worry.
Create a regular practice of
awareness, conversation and self-management
for now, teenage years, and adulthood.
Fun. Easy. Screen-Free. Portable.
All abilities, ages 5+
MORE JOY, less stress!
Playful, Connected Learning!
While early education creates an important foundation for academic skills, many parents would be surprised to know that social skills are actually far more predictive of outcomes into adulthood than early academics. ~ Amanda Morgan, Motherly
Why Connection Zoo™?
Conversation with common language reveals shared experiences to CREATE CONNECTIONS & BONDS between kids & adults
INTEGRATES easily into home and school routines & curriculum.
DESIGN features soothing coating on cards, realistic animal images & fun facts
FLEXIBLE use allows personalization to meet unique needs & easy adaptation for any environment & time available.
What Our Customers Say
Connection Zoo provides a way for our family to talk about our feelings in a way that is relatable to a child. During a particularly stressful doctor appointment, my daughter and I talked about the Milk Snake and the Big-Bellied Seahorse. The calming techniques helped her change her focus, reset and get through the appointment. Connection Zoo is helping our daughter fill her toolbox with alternative ways to understand and communicate her feelings, as well as ways to improve her social interactions. We love Connection Zoo!
-Heather (Parent)
“I need a word so I can say what I’m feeling today.
I need a word so I can say how I feel.
I need a word that’ll say what I’m meaning to say.
And tell you the way that I’m feeling”♪ ♪
~Dave Matthews featuring Grover (Sesame Street)
Everyone experiences stress and anxiety sometimes, but…
For millions of kids, stress, worry or anxiety in social situations feels overwhelming and prevents them from doing everyday activities. When not effectively managed, this can impede healthy development, academic success and well-being.
Social and emotional skills are even more critical for success with the increase in digital connection and pressure to perform. We need to teach our kiddos how to understand and manage the big emotions and stress they’re experiencing. We need to partner with them to learn how to thrive and feel more joy.
Playing with Connection Zoo™ leads to:
Less stress and frustration | More smiles | Fun family playtime | Participation in social activities
Increased self-awareness | Better self-management skills | Stronger relationships | Academic success
Create Conversation | Make Connections | Be Well
How do you want to spend your time?
Searching the internet for hours looking for solutions, reading self-help books or attending classes and then trying to implement what you learn?!
OR
Connecting with your kids? We thought so! We’ve done the work, so you can spend time playing with your kids in a way that teaches them critical life skills for increased happiness, wellness and success.