Social and emotional development is an important part of growing up. The games below are the best products on the market to support social and emotional growth in children.  These products are games that kids will enjoy AND that parents and school age professionals will value for their ability to promote development.

Using resources like games to teach self-awareness and empathy makes learning fun. To read more about the impact of social games and activities check out The Pathway to Success offers a great resource on the importance of social emotional growth through game play.

Mad Dragon: An Anger Control Card Game

This fast-paced therapeutic card game helps children ages 6-12: Control their anger in the moment; Practice 12 effective anger management techniques; Understand what anger feels and looks like; Avoid anger-provoking situations; Express and understand their feelings; Identify anger cues; Learn that they have choices about how to express anger. Fun and effective, this game includes 100 high-quality cards, instructions, and tips for taming anger. For 2 to 8 players.

Why Kids Will Like it: This game is fun!  You play it like the game UNO, kids race to get rid of their cards (while learning anger control skills)
Why you Will Like it: This game teaches anger management in a fun way.  Kids learn acceptable ways to deal with anger through fun.

MySELF Single Copy Set (1 each of 24 books)

MySELF (Social Emotional Learning Foundations) helps children build social and emotional intelligence and literacy skills through shared reading of engaging texts that prompt discussions about real-world experiences. Stories are written from the first person perspective and center around a diverse group of relatable children.

Why Kids Will Like it: These stories provide real-world photos and high-quality illustrations kids will love.
Why you Will Like it: The MySELF books provide a tool to teach social and emotional skills with a heavy-handed approach.

Toss ‘n Talk-About Positive Attitude Ball

This Toss ‘n Talk conversation ball is covered in quotes, questions and words to live by like, “Name 1 special or unique talent that you have,” “What does ‘Turning the other cheek’ mean to you?” and “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Lead conversations about personal feelings, common frustrations and tactics to adopt a more positive attitude. Perfect for one-on one sessions or group activities and easily adapted for all age and functioning levels. Includes a handy activity sheet with ideas for play. If you like this ideas but are adhering to a tight budget check out our make your own toss & talk ball ideas.

Why Kids Will Like it: The toss ‘n talk ball allows kids to talk about themselves in a positive way
Why you Will Like it: This game gets kids talking about feelings, thoughts and views of the world.  This ball allows you to discuss important topics in a fun way. 

The Talking, Feeling and Doing Game

​Although this game is intended for mental health professionals it can be beneficial to all children, parents and school age professionals.  This game helps kids talk out their feeling and allows them to connect with each other in a new in depth way.  For children 5+, 2-5 players.

Why Kids Will Like it: Its fun! Kids will enjoy the social aspects of game play
Why you Will Like it: This game was developed by  Richard A. Gardner, M.D. Its a great tool to get kids talking about feelings and social responsibility. Spark conversations about feelings that may not come up organically.

You Know; Social Skills Games

You know; the social skills game allows children to learn to think of themselves as precious, valuable, human beings that deserve to feel good about themselves while having fun. This game work to building report and starting meaningful conversation about strengths and weaknesses. Perfect to support social emotional growth in children 7+

Why Kids Will Like it: You Know the social skills game is fun, and encourages kids to explore there belief system and will help them feel good about who they are.
Why you Will Like it: This game will get children thinking about their positive qualities, when the game is over, everyone will feel good about themselves.