Plush-powered virtual pets nurturing emotional skills and advancing mental health for the next generation.

Closing the Gap in Kids' Mental Health

Children today face rising anxiety and depression rates, with mental health support critically needed.

Yet:

  • 80% of children with mental health disorders receive no care

  • Schools struggle with counselor-to-student ratios as high as 1:600

Without intervention, children risk academic struggles, social isolation, and long-term mental health issues.

Introducing Nido Pets

Nido Pets combines the comfort of a plush companion with the innovation of an AI-powered app, transforming Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into an engaging, interactive adventure. Kids master empathy, resilience, and emotional regulation through mini-games, journaling, and dynamic storytelling—all while bonding with their new favorite friend.

Plushie Companion:

A sensory-friendly plushie crafted for comfort and companionship. Each child chooses their perfect animal companion to begin their unique learning experience.

AI-Powered App

Our advanced AI technology delivers personalized SEL lessons that match each child's unique reading and grade level, providing targeted guidance with interactive journaling, engaging activities, and proven developmental tools.

Interactive Stories

Immersive narrative quests build essential life skills and deepen emotional intelligence.

Interactive Mini-Games Drive Effective Learning

Our powerful SEL mini-games effectively develop emotional literacy, self-regulation, coping skills, empathy, and decision-making capabilities—fully aligned with CASEL standards.

From matching emotions to exploring coping strategies and resolving conflicts, children master essential real-world skills in an interactive environment. These focused activities strengthen resilience, teamwork, and social awareness, enabling children to develop vital life skills naturally through play.

Choose Your Own Adventure Stories

Learners become the heroes of their own emotional growth journey by making choices that teach self-regulation, empathy, and coping skills.

Each story features clear, real-world scenarios where children actively practice decision-making, emotion management, and resilience-building in a supportive, game-like setting. This proven approach strengthens core social-emotional learning skills while maintaining children's enthusiasm and commitment to their growth.

Transform Play into Progress

Every completed mini-game, adventure story, and SEL activity rewards learners with sparkles. These rewards unlock exciting customization options for their Nido Pet, ensuring each child creates their own meaningful, personalized companion.

Adventure Awaits with Nido Pets!

Master exciting quests, overcome engaging challenges, and strengthen confidence, resilience, and problem-solving abilities. Journey through vibrant worlds that transform emotional learning into an inspiring adventure!

CASEL Standards at the Heart of Nido Pets

Nido Pets harnesses the power of the CASEL framework, the gold standard in Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Our carefully crafted activities and lessons implement these proven standards to ensure children develop strong, lasting emotional and social skills.

Studies consistently demonstrate that CASEL-aligned SEL programs effectively enhance mental wellness, reduce anxiety, strengthen social connections, and drive academic achievement. Nido Pets delivers these powerful benefits through natural, engaging play—helping children build lasting emotional resilience while forming meaningful bonds with their plushie-powered virtual pet.

Available Spring 2025

FAQs

  • Nido Pets is designed for children ages 6-12, featuring activities precisely tailored to each child's developmental stage. The valuable social-emotional learning experiences and lessons can extend to benefit older children as well.

  • We plan to offer NidoPets through a variety of pathways:

    • Schools: Offered at a sliding scale, with free access for underserved districts and low-cost options for schools with more resources.

    • Direct to Consumer: Available for purchase, with a one-for-one giving model—every Nido Pet purchased provides one for free to a child in need.

  • Nido Pets combines the tactile comfort of a plushie with the interactive engagement of a virtual pet and app. This unique approach makes SEL fun and accessible while fostering a strong emotional connection to the learning process.

  • The plush toy provides a comforting physical presence, while the app adds interactive elements like games and lessons. Together, they create a holistic experience that supports emotional growth through tactile, visual, and digital engagement.

  • Nido Pets focuses on five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

  • An internet connection is required for initial setup and some features, but many activities can be accessed offline.

  • Yes, Nido Pets is an excellent tool for classrooms and group settings, offering collaborative activities that align with SEL curricula and foster group interaction.

  • Nido Pets is designed to teach children skills for coping with anxiety, anger, and low mood, helping them build resilience and emotional regulation. However, Nido Pets is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical treatment. If your child has been diagnosed with a mental health condition, we encourage you to seek additional support from a qualified professional. Please note that Nido Pets is not an emergency medical provider. In case of an emergency, please dial 911.