As a parent and educator, I’m always on the lookout for tools that make emotional learning engaging and accessible, and the hand2mind Feelings Family Hand Puppets deliver exactly that. This set of five puppets is thoughtfully designed to help children explore secondary emotions—those complex feelings like pride, guilt, frustration, and empathy—that are often harder for kids to identify and articulate. The puppets themselves are soft, durable, and visually appealing, making them perfect for hands-on activities in classrooms, therapy sessions, or at home. What I appreciate most is how versatile they are: they can be used for role-playing scenarios, social skills practice, mindfulness exercises, or even just imaginative play, allowing children to practice empathy and emotional regulation in a safe, playful environment. From a social-emotional learning perspective, these puppets are invaluable. They encourage conversation about feelings, help children recognize and label their emotions, and provide a non-threatening way to express complex emotions. For counselors, therapists, or educators, they’re a practical and engaging resource for facilitating group discussions or one-on-one sessions. The set is small enough to manage but diverse enough to cover a meaningful range of emotional experiences. Whether used in sensory play therapy, social-emotional learning activities, or mindfulness exercises, these puppets create an interactive, hands-on learning experience that children genuinely enjoy. In short, the hand2mind Feelings Family Hand Puppets are more than just toys—they’re powerful tools for nurturing emotional intelligence, empathy, and social skills in children. Highly recommended for anyone working with kids who wants to make emotional learning fun, tangible, and impactful.
