What’s Buzzing?- a must-have tool for emotional wellness

At Jugo Play, we’re passionate about creating toys that make a difference – not just for kids but for the families around them. Emotional well-being is an essential part of a child’s development, yet it’s often overlooked. That’s what inspired us to create the What’s Buzzing? busy board – a tool to help kids and their parents connect, communicate, and grow together. 

THE NEED 

While talking to parents, I noticed a recurring challenge: “How do I get my child to open up?” or “How do I help my child feel safe sharing their feelings?” It became clear that many families want to create a space where emotions can be shared and understood, but they often don’t know where to start.

That’s where What’s Buzzing? comes in. Designed with positive parenting principles in mind, this board gives kids a fun and approachable way to explore and express their emotions. For parents, it’s a tool to start meaningful conversations, practice empathetic listening, and nurture their child’s emotional intelligence. 

THERE ARE MULTIPLE WAYS TO USE IT 

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to use the board – it’s adaptable to every family’s needs. Here are some of the ways it fosters emotional wellness: 

Mood Wheel for emotional awareness- Kids move the needle on the mood wheel to reflect how they’re feeling and point to the emotion that resonates with them. This simple activity helps them learn to recognise and label their emotions, building an emotional vocabulary over time. 

Shining Stars for self regulation, gratitude, or daily highlights- Once children start identifying their emotions, they can take steps to regulate them. Parents can encourage kids to use the shining stars for mood-boosting tasks or calming activities. These stars can also serve as a gratitude journal or a place to record daily highlights, promoting a positive outlook and emotional wellness. For parents who believe in a reward system, the stars can be used to celebrate positive behaviours, encouraging consistency and effort. 

Smiley Notes for positive affirmations- Helping kids develop confidence is so important. The What’s Buzzing? board includes 3 printed affirmation tiles, but parents can also write their own. Displaying messages like “You are brave” or “You are loved” can help reinforce a child’s self-esteem and growth mindset. 

Incorporating the What’s Buzzing? board into daily routines can be a powerful way to foster deeper connections. It’s an opportunity for kids to pause, reflect, and share, and for parents to truly listen and guide.