Quotes from Parents

What parents say about Zippy’s Friends

'Our son Mateusz used not to show his emotions and didn’t use to speak about them loudly. Now he does not have any problems dealing with his emotions. He has become more open. Moreover, saying the magic word “sorry” was very difficult for him, but now nothing stops him apologising.’ – Parent, Poland
'My son is much more tolerant and thoughtful of others.’ – Parent, UK
'We as parents have improved our communication tremendously with our child and we feel good about it.’ – Parent, India
‘Seventy-two percent of parents noticed changes in their children’s behaviour that they linked with participation in the programme. Children communicated more freely, valued friends, appeared to be more thoughtful, attentive, friendly and sincere, and started understanding others.’ – Survey of Lithuanian parents
‘The programme has transformed our family life. All my children now listen properly to each other. I couldn’t believe it when I found out Zippy was just a stick insect!’ – Mother, Lithuania
‘I’m sure that my son is now more self-confident, knowing what he likes and what he doesn't like. He talks about day-by-day situations calmly. He is able to praise himself, has been more kind, and discusses difficult topics in a clear and simple manner. His mood has improved a lot. I'm positive in saying that even his health has improved.’ – Mother, Brazil
'I loved the programme. I found it very interesting and we - the family - also learned a lot and apply our son’s lessons in our lives.’ – Parent, Brazil
‘I think that my son showed important changes. He is much more concerned about others, helps family members more and accepts criticism more easily. He is a kind boy, but he used to "explode" when provoked. Nowadays, he knows he has to control himself in such situations. He goes through an exercise of counting from 1 to 10 frequently, in several different situations.’ – Parent, Brazil
'I'm very happy with the changes I noticed in my son during this year. For example, his way of coping with death. Before Amigos do Zippy, this was a difficult theme to cope with because he used to get very sad and ask me to take him with me if I died - he couldn't live apart from me. Today he accepts death naturally, and the fact that we eventually get old and die. Now he says "Mother, please don't be worried about things or you will get old too soon". He still has some fear of losing loved relatives, but I think all of us have this and always will have. Well... I think I owe this to Amigos do Zippy.’ – Parent, Brazil.
'This has been a very useful addition to the PSHE curriculum and will have a gentle and subtle longer-term effect, I feel. It is a super way of opening up and helping little ones to deal with difficult social situations.' - Parent, Spelthorne
'My son has really got a lot of fun and learning out of it.’ – Parent, UK
'My son is much more tolerant and thoughtful of others.’ – Parent, UK
'One family now has 'Zippy time' after the evening meal when all family members express how they feel - even the father is starting to join in!' - Teacher, Southampton
'My son changed from a passive boy to an active boy. He also became more active in helping others.’ – Parent, Hong Kong
'I appreciate this programme very much. After joining the programme, my daughter would discuss with me about her school life.’ – Parent, Hong Kong
'One day my son had lost his text book. He tried very hard to look for it. He could not find it. Then I found him sitting on a sofa and taking a deep breath. He told me that Zippy had taught him how to calm down. My son would not take the initiative to solve his problems before he had Zippy’s classes. Now he would try to use different ways to solve problems.’ – Mother, Hong Kong