Research-Informed by Design

Every Empathy Kids game uses research-informed principles from child development, attachment theory, and social-emotional learning. We keep the experience non-judgmental and child-led. A picture can mean many things, and there are no "right answers."

Used by 200+ schools worldwide.

1. Picture-first communication

Children often feel things before they have words for them. Our games use images as a starting point for conversation, allowing children to communicate what they're experiencing without needing perfect language.

• Pictures bypass the pressure of finding the "right word"
• Visual anchors help children point, gesture, or describe what they're feeling
• Images reduce shame—children can explore feelings through story and metaphor
• This approach supports neurodivergent children, multilingual families, and children who struggle with verbal expression

2. Psychological safety (no right answers)

When children feel evaluated or corrected, they stop sharing. Our games are designed with no "correct" responses, allowing children to explore feelings without fear of judgment.

• The same card can mean different things to different people—that's the point
• Children can pass, play silently, or share as much as they're comfortable with
• Adults are guided to reflect and validate, not correct or redirect
• This creates safety to explore difficult emotions without needing to perform "good behavior"

3. Co-regulation builds self-regulation

Children learn to regulate their emotions by experiencing calm, present adults. Self-regulation doesn't develop in isolation—it grows through repeated experiences of co-regulation.

• Games are designed for calm moments, not crisis intervention
• Adults model emotional language and reflective pauses
• Short, low-pressure interactions build trust over time
• Children internalize regulation skills through consistent, attuned connection

4. Emotion vocabulary and story before perfect words

Expanding emotional vocabulary isn't about memorizing words—it's about building a personal relationship with feelings through story, context, and experience.

• Children practice naming feelings in low-stakes moments
• Stories and scenarios help children connect words to lived experience
• Games introduce nuanced vocabulary naturally (e.g., frustrated vs. irritated vs. overwhelmed)
• This creates confidence with emotional language that transfers to real-life situations

5. Perspective-taking and empathy (same card, different meanings)

Empathy develops when children realize that others see the world differently. Our games explicitly highlight this by showing how the same image can evoke different feelings or interpretations.

• Children see that their peers have different reactions to the same card
• This normalizes difference and reduces "my way is the only way" thinking
• Perspective-taking is practiced in safe, structured moments before it's needed in conflict
• Over time, children develop curiosity about others' inner experiences

6. Repair and relationship skills (requests, boundaries, reconnection)

Conflict is inevitable, but repair is a skill. Our games include practice with the language of repair: making requests, setting boundaries, and reconnecting after conflict.

• Children practice repair language in calm moments so it's accessible during stress
• Games model how to ask for help, express needs, and set boundaries respectfully
• Repair is framed as a strength, not a punishment or apology performance
• This builds relational confidence and reduces shame around making mistakes

7. Play-based practice (small moments repeated over time)

Social-emotional learning doesn't happen through lectures—it happens through repeated, playful practice in small moments. Our games are designed for short, frequent use rather than long, formal sessions.

• Games take 1–5 minutes, making them sustainable for busy families and classrooms
• Repetition without pressure builds mastery and confidence
• Play reduces performance anxiety and allows for experimentation
• Small moments add up—consistent practice creates lasting skill development

How research connects to our ecosystem

These principles show up across all Empathy Kids tools:

Transparency and care

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.