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In domestic violence (DV) shelters, offering psychosocial support services to mothers and children is vital. The program 'Time for Tony the Turtle' has been developed for mothers and children residing in DV shelters in the Netherlands. It aims to foster attachment and regulation skills, which can also prepare for trauma treatment if sought after later on. This qualitative study explores the experiences of mothers, children and professionals with the program and its perceived impact and what components function as facilitators and barriers in the implementation of such a program in DV crisis shelters in the Netherlands. We conducted in‐depth interviews with 15 mothers, 11 children and 18 professionals from three organizations offering DV shelters. We used thematic analysis to identify patterns of meaning in the interviews. Mothers, children and professionals valued that the program provided a calm moment for reflection in hectic times and that the playfulness in which the program addressed trauma‐related topics. However, mothers find it difficult to attend the program in the beginning of their shelter stay, therefore hampering the applicability of the program. Our findings suggest that integrating the topic of discussing father in a program in crisis shelters is complex and deserves more attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The use of a hand puppet in a program for children in DV shelters seems beneficial. • A hand puppet becomes a trusted figure for children in DV shelters. • Children can use the puppet to project their own problems onto. • Children can advise and question the puppet on sensitive topics. A support program 'Time for Tony the Turtle' has been developed for young children residing in Dutch domestic violence (DV) shelters. With hand puppet 'Tony the Turtle', the program aims to develop self-regulation skills for children, while increasing the sense of safety and addressing children in a personal and playful way. As the use of the puppet is a distinct aspect of the program, this study aims to explore the experiences of children, mothers, and professionals with a hand puppet in three Dutch organizations providing shelter services. We conducted in-depth interviews with 11 children, 15 mothers, and 18 professionals involved in the program. We used thematic analysis for interpretation. We derived three themes from the interviews with the interviewees: 'Tony is nice and funny', 'Tony is just like us', and 'Tony invites us to ask questions and give advice on sensitive topics'. Overall, the use of a hand puppet in DV shelters seems beneficial for children living in DV shelters. It offers a trusted figure who experienced similar things. Children can use the puppet to project their own problems onto and to find solutions for their problems and concerns, by advising the puppet and asking it questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]