What this game is
Kind Words Builder shows kids a simple scenario—like a friend taking their toy or someone cutting in line. The player reads what a character might say, then chooses from three options: words that are too harsh, words that are kind but unclear, or words that are honest and kind. After each choice, they see what happens next in the story.
Play the game
Open the game and try a few rounds together—or solo.
Game link coming soon.
Want to create your own cards? Start here
How to play
- Read the scenario on the screen (or have an adult read it aloud).
- Look at the three word choices:
- Too harsh (might hurt feelings or make things worse)
- Kind but unclear (nice, but doesn't solve the problem)
- Honest and kind (says what you need without being mean)
- Pick one and see what happens next in the story.
- Talk about why different words create different outcomes.
- Play a few rounds. There's no wrong answer—every choice teaches something.
Kids can replay scenarios to try different choices. It's about exploring, not getting it "right."
Gentle prompts to try
- What do you think will happen if they say that?
- Which words feel kind and clear?
- Have you ever been in a situation like this?
- What would you want someone to say to you?
- Let's try a different choice and see what changes.
Why it helps
It shows that words are choices
When kids are upset, words can come out fast—and sometimes mean. This game slows down that moment and shows them they have options. By practicing in low-stakes stories, children learn that they can pause, think, and choose words that get them what they need without hurting someone else.
It builds vocabulary for feelings and needs
Young kids often know they're upset, but they don't always have the words to say why. Kind Words Builder gives them phrases they can borrow: "I feel frustrated when..." or "I need a turn next" or "That hurt my feelings." Over time, these phrases become part of their natural toolkit for tough moments.
It teaches the difference between nice and kind
Being nice means avoiding conflict. Being kind means saying what's true in a way that respects everyone. Kids learn that they don't have to stay silent to be "good"—they can speak up and still be kind. This is especially important for kids who tend to shrink away from conflict or who struggle to advocate for themselves.
It connects words to outcomes
The game shows what happens after each choice. Kids see how harsh words lead to hurt feelings or escalation, how unclear words leave problems unsolved, and how honest and kind words help everyone feel better. This cause-and-effect pattern helps them understand that their words have power—and they can use that power well.
It makes repair easier
When kids have practiced kind words in a game, they're more likely to use them in real life. And when they do mess up—which everyone does—they have a mental library of phrases to pull from when it's time to apologize or try again. The game normalizes the idea that communication is a skill you practice, not something you're just "good" or "bad" at.
Who this is for
Families
- Sibling conflict practice
- Bedtime or after-school calm-down
- Preparing for tough social moments
Educators / counselors
- Morning meeting or circle time
- Small group communication practice
- Conflict resolution prep
Frequently asked questions
What if my child picks the harsh option every time?
That's okay. They're exploring. The game shows what happens next, and kids often notice on their own that harsh words make things harder. You can ask gentle questions like "How do you think the other person felt?" or "Want to try a different choice and see what changes?" But don't force it—curiosity works better than correction.
Can younger kids play alone?
Some can, especially if they're confident readers. But the game is designed for co-play, so an adult or older sibling can read the scenarios aloud and talk through the choices together. That conversation is where a lot of the learning happens.
What if the scenarios don't match my child's life?
The scenarios are designed to be common, relatable situations—but not every one will fit every kid. That's fine. You can still talk about the principle: what makes words kind or harsh? What helps and what doesn't? The skills transfer even if the exact situation doesn't match.
How do I use this after a real conflict?
Wait until everyone has calmed down. Then you can say something like, "Remember that game where we practiced kind words? What could we have said instead?" Use it as a tool for reflection, not a lecture. The goal is to help kids think through their options, not to shame them for what already happened.
Is this therapy?
No. This is an educational tool designed to support social-emotional learning through play. It is not therapy, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your child's wellbeing, please consult a qualified professional.
Empathy Kids is an educational tool designed to support social-emotional learning through play. It is not therapy, diagnosis, or medical advice. If you have concerns about your child's wellbeing, please consult a qualified professional.