A puppet is a valuable tool for supporting children in their social-emotional development. It can help children set boundaries, express their needs, and demonstrate how to approach others for play, friendship, empathy, and more.

While a puppet is a powerful and obvious tool for this kind of support, there are specific conditions and characteristics it needs to truly make a difference. Here are four key factors I’d like to highlight:

1. The puppet should have a name and speak in the first person.

This may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning because a nameless puppet feels like a nobody. Everything starts with giving the puppet a name and having it speak in the first person. The puppet should start sentences with “I.”

If you talk about the puppet instead of letting it speak for itself, its impact is greatly reduced. Try it and notice the difference—it’s remarkable how much more engaging and relatable the puppet becomes when it “has its own voice.”

2. The puppet should model a healthy self-image.

When using a puppet to support children’s social-emotional growth, it’s helpful for the puppet to project a healthy self-image. The puppet shouldn’t simply mirror the child’s behavior.

A “mirroring” puppet replicates the same strategies or struggles the child is facing, often resulting in no meaningful change. Instead, a puppet that offers solutions, alternatives, or positive examples is much more effective. In my experience, children are more receptive to these approaches, and the changes they make tend to be lasting. Why not make the most of this unique opportunity?

3. The puppet isn’t afraid to make mistakes.

Learning is all about making mistakes, and everyone makes them! A puppet that embraces mistakes as opportunities for growth can be a powerful asset.

Rather than focusing on what went wrong, a puppet that celebrates what it discovered through a mistake sets a wonderful example for children. This teaches them to see mistakes as a natural part of learning and growing, rather than something to fear.

4. The puppet is non-judgmental.

While no one is completely free of judgment, judgments often shape how we experience and interpret situations.

A puppet, however, should avoid judgment. It doesn’t judge the child who keeps their distance or the one who wants to be close to everyone. The puppet finds nothing strange or silly; instead, it focuses on understanding what motivates someone. Whatever that may be, it’s okay.

Rather than thinking in terms of “good” or “bad,” the puppet focuses on building relationships by being open, accepting, and curious. This non-judgmental approach creates a safe and welcoming environment for children to explore and express themselves.


By recognizing the potential of a puppet and considering what children need from it, you can become a more impactful caregiver or educator. This enhanced 2.0 version of yourself is focused on supporting children in their growth and development.

To achieve this, all you need to do is create a puppet with a relatable character, clear language, and meaningful solutions that resonate with the children you work with.

It’s not rocket science! But if you’d like some guidance or wonder how I approach creating a character for my puppets, check out my free mini-course: What Does a Puppet Have That You Don’t?

It’s a fantastic starting point. This is the link to access it for free.

See you in the next blog.

Helen