FAQ's

Dear Us Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dear Us?

Dear Us is a series of printable, read-aloud co-regulation books for children and the grown-ups who love them. Every book pairs a short animal story with simple movements and play activities you do together, so big feelings have somewhere to go besides a meltdown. A Parent Corner on every page tells you what's happening in your child's body and gives you the exact words to say.

What does "co-regulation" mean?

Co-regulation is the way a calm, caring adult helps a child's nervous system settle: through voice, breath, touch, movement and presence. Young children can't calm themselves down on command. They borrow our calm first, and over time they learn to find it on their own. Dear Us gives you simple, practical ways to do that together.

Who is Dear Us for?

Parents, grandparents, nannies and other caregivers of children ages 3 through the elementary years who want a calmer way through meltdowns, bedtime battles, transitions and big emotions. It's made for the parent who has already tried the feelings chart and still ends up on the floor with a screaming child.

Why "Dear Us"?

Because every page has two sides: one for your child and one for you. Calm isn't something you do to a child. It's something you build together.

Who creates Dear Us?

Dear Us is created by Little Hives, built by Morgan Y. a single mom who has had very little support and had to figure everything out the hard way. When she has tried everything under the sun and nothing seemed to work, she created her own path. And now, Morgan would like to share with families around the world, different ways of dealing with the hard moments.

Which ages is Dear Us for?

The series is organized into age-based books: Ages 3–4, Ages 4–5, Ages 5–6, and The Elementary Years. Each book is written and designed for that developmental stage, with its own story, activities and Parent Corner.

How do I know which book to choose?

Start with the book that matches your child's current age. If your child is on the edge of two ages, choose based on attention span and comfort with movement games: shorter, simpler activities fit the younger book, and more layered ones fit the older book.

Does every book have the same characters?

No. Every book has its own animal guide and its own story, so each age group gets a fresh world. The approach behind the activities stays the same across the series: story, somatic movement, neuro-training play and a Parent Corner.

Can I use a book with a child who is slightly younger or older?

Yes. Many families do. If it feels too easy or too hard, move the book up or down a level. You know your child best.

I have more than one child. Can we use it together?

Yes. Siblings can do most activities side by side, and the shared moment is often the best part. Pick the book closest to the younger child's age, or let each child use their own age band and do the activities together.

What's inside each book?

Each book includes:

• A short read-aloud animal story for your child

• Somatic (body-based) movement activities that help the body settle

• Neuro-training play activities that build the skill of calming down

• A Parent Corner on every page, with what's happening in your child's body, what to say and a quick reset for you

• "Say This" scripts for hard moments

• A "Your Anchor First" guide for steadying yourself before you respond

• A Weekly Wave Tracker to notice what's working

What are "somatic movements"?

Somatic means "of the body." These are gentle, body-based moves that help big feelings settle: slow wave breaths, heavy pushes, a squeeze-and-release, warm hands on the heart. They give your child's body something to do when words aren't working.

What is "neuro-training play"?

These are playful games that practice skills the brain uses to shift gears and settle: cross-body movements, left-right switches, slow eye-tracking and rhythm play. Think of them as a gentle workout for staying flexible under stress, disguised as a game. They help your child practice, so the skill is more familiar the next time a big feeling shows up.

What is the Parent Corner?

A section on every page written for you. It tells you what your child's body may be experiencing, what helps in that moment, the exact sentence to say, and a ten-second reset for your own body so you aren't adding to the storm.

What are the "Say This" scripts?

Short, ready-made phrases for the hardest moments, like "I'm right here, and you can do this too." You won't have to invent calm words while someone is screaming.

What is "Your Anchor First"?

A quick guide to steadying your own body before you respond. A stressed adult next to a stressed child usually adds fuel. Anchoring yourself first is often the most important step.

What is the Weekly Wave Tracker?

A simple page for noting which activities you tried and what helped. It's not a chart to fill in perfectly. It's a way to see small wins over time.

How is Dear Us different from other co-regulation or feelings books?

Most books give you a story and a feelings chart. Dear Us combines four things in one place:

1 A story your child connects with

2 Somatic movements that calm the body first

3 Neuro-training play that builds the skill

4 A Parent Corner that coaches you

Naming a feeling is step one. Dear Us helps with step two: what to do with the storm in the body.

Why does the body come before words?

When a child is overwhelmed, the thinking part of the brain is harder to reach. Extra words and raised voices can add noise. Movement, breath and a calm adult help the body settle first, and then talking becomes possible.

Is this going to feel like homework?

No. That's the point. Each activity takes only a few minutes, needs no prep and has no worksheet or right answers. It's meant to feel like a cozy, slightly silly moment together, not another job on your list.

How long does it take?

Most activities take two to five minutes. A full story-and-activity session takes about 10 minutes. However, it is really up to you and your child! Many of the activities included can be a fun bonding session that neither of you want to end!

When is the best time to use it?

A calm moment is best: after school, before bath or bedtime, on a slow weekend morning. Practicing when things are quiet makes the tools familiar, so they're easier to reach during a hard moment.

Can I use the activities in the middle of a meltdown?

Some of them, yes: the quiet ones like a slow breath, a heavy push or your calm script. But they work best when practiced in calm moments first. Think of it like a fire drill: you rehearse when there's no fire.

How quickly will I see results?

Every child and family is different. Some parents notice small shifts within a couple of weeks. Others need longer. Dear Us isn't magic and won't remove every hard moment. It gives you tools and a way to practice them together. Consistency matters more than perfection.

What if my child won't participate?

That's completely okay. Read the story first. Let them watch you do the movement. Make it a game, or invite a stuffed animal to join. Never force an activity. Co-regulation works through connection, not pressure.

Do I have to do the pages in order?

No. Start wherever fits the moment: the page about bedtime, public meltdowns or after-school overwhelm. Many parents read the story in order and dip into activities as needed. Safety and Professional Guidance

Is Dear Us a replacement for therapy or professional care?

No. Dear Us is a gentle, practical tool for families. It is not therapy, medical treatment or adiagnosis, and it can't cure or treat any condition. If you have concerns about your child's development, behavior, sensory needs or emotional health, please talk with your pediatrician or a qualified professional.

Can I use this with my child who has sensory needs, ADHD, autism or anxiety?

Many families with children who feel things big use co-regulation tools like these. Dear Us can be a supportive part of your routine, but it isn't a treatment. If your child works with an occupational therapist or other professional, check with them about which activities fit your child.

Are the movements safe for young children?

The activities are gentle and low-impact: breathing, hand games, pushing against a wall, squeezing and stretching. Always supervise young children, stop if anything feels uncomfortable, and adapt movements to your child's body and abilities. Never force a position or touch.

What if my child gets more upset during an activity?

Pause. Return to simply being nearby and calm. Some days just aren't activity days. Try again in a calmer moment, or choose a quieter activity like a slow breath or a warm-hands squeeze.

What if I'm the one who struggles to stay calm?

You're in good company, and that's why the Parent Corner and Your Anchor First exist. You don't have to be perfect. A repair like "I got big feelings too, and I'm working on my calm" teaches your child how it's done.

Is this a physical book?

No. Dear Us is an instant-download digital product. You print the pages at home or at a print shop.

What format do I receive?

A PDF download.

How do I get my download?

After purchase you'll receive a confirmation email with your download link right away.

What size paper do I need to print?

US Letter / A4. Standard home printers work. Color is recommended for the illustrations, but black-and-white also works.

Can I share it with a friend, my child's school or my classroom?

Personal-use licenses cover your own household. Please don't share or resell the files.

Will there be an app or book?

An interactive version as well as physical books are planned for the future.

What is your refund policy?

Because Dear Us is a digital download, we can't take returns once files are delivered. If something is wrong with your file or you have trouble downloading, contact us and we'll make it right.