For grown-ups

Meet a friend who gives you a place to begin. Bounce Back Beny & Friends turns simple life tools into characters kids want to spend time with, so the hard conversations get a little easier to start.

How to explore togetherFor educators
Tilly the turtle in a striped tee and denim vest, holding a drawn note and waving hello.

What this is

A world of 14 animal friends, each practicing one simple tool for everyday life: being kind to yourself, noticing what's happening, trying something brave, making room for others, and taking a next step.

The friends are still learning. They forget, get stuck, and need reminders, which is exactly why kids can see themselves in them.

What it isn't

It's not therapy, a diagnosis tool, or a formal curriculum. It's a friendly way into a conversation. If a child is struggling a lot or for a long time, please reach out to your pediatrician, a school counselor, or a licensed mental health professional.

How to explore together

Five minutes is plenty. Real life is busy.

  1. Pick a friend

    Let your kid choose whoever they like the look of, or pick the friend whose moment matches your day.

  2. Read the “try this”

    Each friend has one small action and one question. Read them out loud, or just wonder about them together.

  3. Let them choose how to join

    Talk, draw, move, listen, or pass. Every one of those counts. Nobody has to share anything private.

Meet the friendsFind a tool for the moment

Words that help

In a hard moment, name what's happening before offering a fix. A few swaps from the neighborhood:

A missed try
Instead of“Shake it off.”
Try“That one mattered to you. Want to take a minute before the next try?”
A worried thought
Instead of“Don't be silly, that won't happen.”
Try“That's one story. What do we know happened?”
A big feeling
Instead of“Calm down.”
Try“That feels big. I'm right here. Want to rest your hands with me?”
A friend who wants space
Instead of“They're just being mean.”
Try“You can ask. Your friend can choose.”
Feeling different
Instead of“Just try to fit in.”
Try“You can like different things and still be friends.”
A promise that stalled
Instead of“No excuses.”
Try“What's one part you can start with?”

Conversation starters

One question from each friend. Good for car rides, bedtime, or the walk home.

  • What would your next try look like?Ask with Beny
  • What part of you could use a little kindness today?Ask with Cappy
  • What do you know for sure?Ask with Willow
  • What is your body asking for?Ask with Ollie
  • What could you try before you feel completely ready?Ask with Pippa
  • Who helps you feel heard?Ask with Tilly
  • How can you show care and leave room for a choice?Ask with Hazel
  • What makes you, you?Ask with Zuri
  • What is one small step you can take today?Ask with Sully
  • What can you notice right here?Ask with Ellie
  • What wave are you feeling, and what would help you ride it?Ask with Finn
  • What is your next useful beat?Ask with DJ Next Play
  • What is something about yourself you want to welcome?Ask with Peri
  • What is one promise you can practice keeping?Ask with Kiki

For educators and group leaders

Give your group a shared language, one friend at a time.

  • Introduce one friend and connect their tool to a familiar group moment, like waiting turns or a game that didn't go well.
  • Offer different ways to take part: talking, drawing, moving, or listening.
  • Never require children to share private experiences in front of others.
  • Come back to the same friend later. Tools are for practicing, not for passing once.
Get in touch
Kiki the kangaroo in her maker vest and goggles, holding a checklist clipboard.

Where the tools come from

Every tool started on Making Space for Love, a podcast about relationships, vulnerability and emotional health. Bounce Back Beny translates those same ideas for kids.

Listen to the podcast

Questions grown-ups ask

What is Bounce Back Beny & Friends?

A world of 14 animal friends who are learning the tools for everyday life together. Each friend practices one tool, like being kind to yourself, checking the story in your head, or giving a friend room. Beny practices all of them.

Is this therapy or a curriculum?

No. These friends are a warm way to start a conversation and something small to practice together. If a child is struggling a lot or for a long time, please reach out to your pediatrician, school counselor or a licensed mental health professional.

Where do the tools come from?

They come from Making Space for Love, a podcast about relationships, vulnerability and emotional health. Bounce Back Beny translates the same ideas grown-ups talk about on the show into stories and words for kids.

Is there a show or a shop?

Not yet. Stories, an animated series and friends you can take home are all being worked on. For now, this site is the best place to meet the crew.

Can I use the friends in my classroom or group?

Yes, you're welcome to introduce the friends and their questions in conversation. If you'd like to use the artwork or materials in a more formal way, send us a note through the contact page.

Does my child need to share their feelings for this to work?

No. Kids can talk, draw, move, listen, or just enjoy the characters. Nobody has to share anything private, and passing is always okay.