Social skills and feelings games for kids
Quick answer. Start with a short cooperative game at your child's language level and use the same feeling words as school and therapy.
Updated
What it is
Board and card games built around faces, feelings and helping. Cooperative games let everyone win or lose together, which can lower the stress of competition for kids who find losing hard.
Why families use it
Parents and therapists often search for games to practice turn-taking, reading faces and talking about feelings at home. A game gives a short, structured, repeatable way to practice what the speech or OT team works on.
Where to buy
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- Peaceable Kingdom Friends and Neighbors: The Helping Game (ages 3+)
Sponsored link: we may earn a commission from Amazon (Amazon Associates) if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
View on Amazon - Learning Resources Who's Feeling What? game (ages 3+)
Sponsored link: we may earn a commission from Amazon (Amazon Associates) if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
View on Amazon - Peaceable Kingdom Sunny and Stormy Day book and game (ages 3+)
Sponsored link: we may earn a commission from Amazon (Amazon Associates) if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
View on Amazon - Breaking Barriers Down feelings card game (older kids and teens)
Sponsored link: we may earn a commission from Amazon (Amazon Associates) if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
View on Amazon
Safety, how to choose, and questions to ask
What we can and cannot say
We do not claim a game teaches social skills on its own. NCAEP's listing is about structured social skills training, not about any branded game.
Safety and background (sourced)
- NCAEP lists social skills training as an evidence-based practice for autistic children and youth; it is delivered with instruction, practice and feedback. Source: NCAEP: Social skills training
- Visual supports, such as emotion picture cards, are also an NCAEP evidence-based practice category. Source: NCAEP: Visual supports
- Toys for children under 3 must not have small parts that are a choking hazard; check the age label, especially with tokens and game pieces. Source: CPSC: Small parts and choking hazard labeling
How to choose
- Match the game to your child's language level, not only age.
- Start with a cooperative game if losing leads to meltdowns.
- Keep rounds short (5–10 minutes) and stop while it is still fun.
- Use the same feeling words your child's therapist or teacher uses.
- Keep small tokens away from younger siblings who mouth objects.
- Ask the school team which skills to practice so home and school match.
Questions to ask your child's clinician or school team
- Which social or emotional goals are in my child's IEP, and how can we practice them at home?
- Would a social skills group fit my child?
- What feeling words or visuals does the class use?
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