Moodles Helps with Brain Development

Pretend play is vital for children's emotional health as it allows them to safely explore and express emotions, helping them practice emotional regulation and build empathy. By acting out different scenarios, children develop resilience, self-awareness, and social skills that support their overall well-being.

Neurologically, pretend play strengthens brain connections, particularly in areas related to decision-making, emotional control, and creativity. This promotes neuroplasticity, helping children develop flexible thinking and better coping mechanisms, which contribute to long-term emotional and mental health.

Moodles (formerly Whatsitsface) is the ultimate toy for pretend play and can be used either with a parent, friend or just your child on their own, with their wonderful imagination. Beyond pretend play, Moodles can also be used to have discussions with children about their emotions using the different facial expressions.

Mental Health and Kids

  1. 1 in 5 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with a mental health disorder each year, affecting approximately 17 million young people. (CDC, 2022)

  2. 50% of all lifetime mental health disorders begin by age 14, and 75% begin by age 24. (National Institute of Mental Health)

  3. The number of children visiting emergency rooms for mental health crises, such as panic attacks and suicide attempts, increased by 24% for children aged 5-11 and by 31% for children aged 12-17 during the pandemic. (CDC, 2021)

  4. Over 60% of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment. (Mental Health America, 2023)

  5. More than 1 in 3 high school students reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2021, a 40% increase from 2009. (CDC, 2022)

  6. Up to 20% of children in the U.S. have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which significantly increase the risk of developing mental health issues. (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021)

  7. Over 90% of parents and teachers report being concerned about the mental health impact of the pandemic on children. (National Parents Union, 2022)