When the situation around us is unstable, emotions overflow, and there is an urgent need to find support, it is essential to possess specific techniques and skills that help relieve the mind and find calmness. Children become particularly vulnerable in such situations, so it is important to be able to support them and teach them to cope with stress on their own. “Smart Osvita” NGO team, together with family and child psychologist Svitlana Roiz, have created several projects to support the mental health of parents and children during war. Today, we offer a compilation of three psychological games that will come in handy when you and your children need support.
“Strength Cards”
Children often associate themselves with animals. “Strength Cards” contain images of animals, birds, fish, insects, and various natural objects and phenomena familiar to children. On the back, there is a short description with a suggested action. These cards can be used for diagnosis or therapy and in a playful form to develop children’s metaphorical thinking and distract them from stressful situations. How does a child see themselves as an animal? What qualities and strengths inherent in the depicted animal would they like to develop in themselves and why? In this way, you can spend quality time together and listen to the child’s reflections, better understand their inner world, and even uncover the problems and fears they may face. We recommend reviewing the instructions before starting the game. You can download the “Strength Cards” here.
“Breath Cards”
In a world where children face various challenges and stressful situations, breathing correctly can become a valuable tool for preserving their physical and emotional well-being. And this can be learned through the game! Psychologists note that controlling breathing can help children overcome stress and relieve tension. The game “Breathing Cards” by Svitlana Roiz is designed to facilitate this process in the best possible way. It combines interactivity and entertainment, promoting children’s active engagement in the process. The set of 14 brightly illustrated cards provides children with an opportunity to practice deep breathing in a controlled environment, developing self-regulation skills and reducing stress levels. Each card depicts various objects, and by following their outlines, children perform inhalations and exhalations. Arrows indicate the direction of movement and labels indicating what to do – inhale or exhale. One of the cards is blank so that everyone can draw their breathing practice on it. These cards can be used for children aged three and above. They can be helpful for parents, educators, teachers, psychologists, and special education teachers. You can download the cards here.
Obiimantsi (“Hugs”)
It is known that hugs can have a powerful therapeutic effect, helping to relieve tension, calm the nervous system, and create a sense of closeness and safety. Svitlana Roiz has developed a therapeutic game with hugs specifically for children. It consists of 12 illustrated cards with different types of hugs, helping to restore the sense of physicality. Returning to the body’s sensations, contact with loved ones, and the ability to take action allows children to rediscover a sense of stability and reconnect with themselves, adults, and the surrounding world. Each card depicts hugs that vary in intensity, allowing children to choose the one that best meets their needs and comfort.
The game also includes craft ideas that children can create independently or with parents. These crafts involve various materials that promote creative self-expression and stimulate sensory touch. They help children immerse themselves in the world of pleasant sensations and relaxation, fostering their emotional development and self-regulation and a more profound connection with parents. You can download the materials for the game here.
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