Slumberkins Otter Kin - Building Connections

Slumberkins is an emotional learning brand on a mission to empower children to be caring, confident, and resilient. Founded by a special education teacher and a family therapist, Slumberkins was created to bring effective early emotional learning tools into as many homes and schools as possible.

Otter Promotes: Building Connections

We all have loved ones that we don't get to see very often. Otter teaches little ones that no matter how far apart we may be from our loved ones, we are always connected by the love we feel in our hearts.

Little ones can bring Otter with them wherever they go as they develop a sense of imaginative play. Otter kin comes with a removable heart to give to a loved one when we cannot be together. The book and affirmation can be shared over video calls with the loved one who has Otter's heart or by writing letters and sending messages.

What's Included:

The Kin - Perfect for play and hugs, with stuffed arms and legs that 3+ little ones can grab onto.

The Board Book - Otter Kin comes with the lesson book “Otter's Community Grows”.

The Affirmation Card - A daily affirmation for your child to practice and carry with them wherever they go.

• Machine washable, air dry
• Intentionally designed without detachable plastic pieces to give caretakers peace of mind
• Kins measure 6" W x 14" L
• Soft and silky fur, perfect for smooshy hugs
• Stuffed with hypoallergenic fiberfill
• 100% Polyester material
• Board Book (measures 
5" W x 7" L) & Affirmation Card (Affirmation Card style may vary)
• Suitable from birth
  
• CE Safety certified

Otter's Community Grows Board Book

This immersive board book has 12 beautifully illustrated pages. Come with Otter as he learns that even though families change or have to move far away, the ones we love are always connected through the love we feel every day. This story is perfect for children with family members who may not be physically able to be with them all the time.

Otter helps your child feel connected to the ones they love

• Separation anxiety
• Foster families
• Divorce

The Slumberkins Otter Bundle comes with an Otter plush, an affirmation card, and books about building connections.

Snuggle up with your little one (and Otter, of course) to read Otter’s books on connection aloud. The time spent together will help foster a secure and meaningful connection between you and your little one—a strong connection that will remain even during times of separation. When kids are feeling lonely or upset, they can cuddle their very own Otter and remember that they’re forever in your heart (just like you’re forever in theirs).

All of our toys and stories are designed by experts to teach social-emotional learning skills, so you can rest assured that you’re helping the kids you care for develop strong emotional foundations and build important bonds when you introduce them to Otter.

We understand the stress that comes along with being separated from the people you love. Otter is understanding of this too and is ready to help you and your child interact, connect, and reflect on the way you’re feeling—together.

Our Approach

Connect-to-Grow: We employ a “Connect-to-Grow” approach that can be summed up as “connect, reflect, practice, grow.” While learning will always start with connection, our approach is intended to be dynamic, rather than a step-by-step process.

Connect: Our creatures are relatable for a reason. They help parents facilitate meaningful moments of connection that allow children to feel seen, valued, and loved at the deepest level. Allowing all feelings to be expressed in these moments of connection helps solidify the bonds that are essential for an emotionally healthy childhood.

Reflect: Here we apply two definitions of “reflect,” the first meaning to mirror. Young children develop a sense of self when their parents and primary caregivers mirror and reflect back the child’s feelings, responses, and actions.

“You look like you are about to cry. Your eyes are watering, you’re holding your breath, and you’re looking down at your shoes.”

As we help our children build a sense of self and understand what it means to be human, mirroring is a way we can show our children that we accept them and that we promote the full and healthy expression of emotions.

This brings us to the other meaning of reflect. When children feel seen, heard, and understood by their parents, they can feel safe to engage in self-reflection. Parents can model self-talk, approach difficult feelings with curiosity rather than judgment, and use deep breathing or body regulation techniques to help their children internalize behavior that encourages self-reflection.

Practice: To reinforce the connection we have with our children, we must actively participate in their emotional growth journey, repeating these processes of “connect” and “reflect.” When children see a parent identify their emotions, acknowledge their mistakes, and practice self-awareness, they are actively gaining tools and coping mechanisms for emotional wellness.

Slumberkins affirmations proactively support building emotional health and resiliency for more meaningful moments throughout the day.

“I am connected and loved, even if we are far apart. I'll keep you with me held here in my heart” —Otter’s Affirmation

Grow: Growth isn’t a “final step” or linear progression. Emotional growth can be messy and uncomfortable and can start at any age. When we engage in our children’s emotional development early, we can empower them to be more caring, confident, and resilient, where they see every experience—pleasant or difficult—as an opportunity for growth.

Our Product

We want you to feel confident supporting your child’s early emotional development. We invite you to meet our creatures and apply our Connect-to-Grow approach through storytelling, affirmation practice and play.