How to Use Little Peanut
Adult-first calm meets child-led connection
Before a child uses the kit, we help the grown-up get calm using our ATLAS Framework. Then we co-use the feltboard to notice feelings, explore them safely, and try a Calm Plan together.
The app (coming soon) will make it easy to log patterns and share insights across home, school, and therapy.
πStep 1: Use the ATLAS Framework
Before a child uses the kit, we help the grown-up get calm first.
ATLAS is our six-step, adult-first method for calm and connection β it makes co-regulation simple, shame-free, and easy to remember.
πͺΆ Download the ATLAS Pocket Card here:
Use ATLAS before every interaction to build safety and predictability.
π Step 2: Spot + Name the Feeling (Mood Match)
The child picks a Mood Match feeling card that shows how they feel.
Adults can help by pointing, saying the feeling, or copying the face.
This helps kids start to name feelings.
π± Builds:
Emotion recognition
Non-verbal communication
Visual matching
π± Reveals:
How the child processes emotion visually
Preferred ways to express feelings
Comfort with identifying emotions
Regulation state (engaged, distracted, hesitant)
π Step 3: Explore Safely (Play With Support)
The child puts the feeling face on Little Peanut.
Adults can talk about times the child felt this way.
This helps kids understand feelings better.
π± Builds:
Sensory regulation
Emotional confidence
Coping strategies
π± Reveals:
What calming methods feel safe or effective
Sensory or movement preferences
Capacity for follow-through or co-regulation
Signs of emotional flexibility and self-awareness
π Step 5: Build Your Calm Menu
Once youβve found a few Calm Plans that work, use our Calm Menu.
Build your own collection of go-to strategies β visual, sensory, and movement-based.
This helps children (and adults) recognise patterns, build confidence, and create consistency between home, school, and therapy.
πͺ Download the Calm Menu to see examples you can adapt for your own space.
Record what worked (app coming soon)
π Step 4: Try a Calm Plan (Together)
The child picks a Calm Plan card to use with Little Peanut.
Adults help the child try the calming idea together.
This helps kids learn ways to calm down.
π± Builds:
Emotional safety
Self-expression
Co-regulation
π± Reveals:
Emotional vocabulary and language style
Internal stories or patterns the child uses
Need for support or space
Adult-child dynamics (connection, resistance, trust)
Grows With the Child
As children grow, so does Little Peanut.
The kit supports early imitation, symbolic play, and eventually: reflection, problem-solving, and peer-based emotional scenarios.
Itβs designed to grow with your child β from early intervention to early primary β and meet them exactly where they are.
π‘ Some professionals use Little Peanut as part of emotional check-ins and early co-regulation screening.
If youβd like to explore how Little Peanut might support your work, weβd love to hear from you. Email Loren at hello@littlepeanutproject.com