The Best Board Games That Help Kids Understand Emotions

Why Emotional Understanding Matters More Than Ever

As a parent of a child between the ages of 6 and 12, you already know how emotionally complex these years can be. One moment your child throws themselves into a pile of giggles, the next they melt into frustration over a misunderstood math problem. These extremes are part of normal growth, but helping your child put words to what they're feeling can be incredibly empowering—and calming.

Turns out, one of the gentlest and most engaging ways to support a child’s emotional development is through play. Not just any play, though: well-chosen board games that are designed (or adapted) to explore emotions can open doors that formal conversations or school lessons never quite manage to unlock.

Board Games as Emotional Teaching Tools

Sitting around the table for a game might seem like just another way to pass the afternoon, but the right game can do so much more. Games offer structure, storytelling, choices—and opportunities to model and practice emotional awareness. Through cooperative gameplay or imaginative storytelling, children begin to recognize facial expressions, name what they feel, and even navigate empathy for others.

For instance, cooperative board games can be powerful when it comes to tackling anger management. In these games, players are not competing against one another, but working as a team to solve problems. Emotional outbursts, poor communication, or gloating can compromise the team’s ability to win—so these situations present low-stakes but very real chances to pause and reflect on behavior. (If you’re looking for inspiration, this guide to peaceful after-school board games offers some great ideas.)

Common Emotional Challenges at This Age

During the elementary school years, most kids start to develop more sophisticated emotional responses. They get frustrated when their best friend ignores them, feel deeply embarrassed after a mistake at school, or experience worry over academic pressure. Recognizing and naming these emotions takes time and patience—but structured play can give them the language they’re reaching for.

A good example? Games that involve storytelling or role-playing. When a child plays a character, especially one in a tricky social situation, they practice imagining how it might feel to be in someone else’s shoes. This is known as cognitive empathy, and it’s one of the building blocks of emotional intelligence. Try introducing emotionally themed games as part of a bedtime routine (read more on how board games can ease nighttime transitions) or during calm weekend afternoons when everyone is more open and relaxed.

Games That Spark Emotional Conversations

So how do you choose the right kind of game? Look for ones that integrate feelings, choices, and reflection into their mechanics or storytelling elements. While there are commercially developed board games focusing specifically on emotions (like "The Feelings Game" or "Inside Out"-style card activities), don’t overlook storytelling board games or quirky conversation starters. Even games designed for parties or learning can be vehicles for emotional growth when used mindfully.

This round-up of birthday party board games includes options that foster expression while still being tons of fun. And if your child struggles with expressive language or feels overwhelmed by emotions, choose games where visuals and simple dialogues carry the weight—less abstract, more tangible.

When to Introduce These Games—and Make Them Stick

Play works best when it doesn’t feel forced. The goal isn’t to teach a lesson, but to offer an experience that encourages emotional reflection through interaction. You might try setting up a weekly game night tournament with simple emotional check-ins: How did you feel when we lost? Did anyone surprise you during the game? What part made you feel proud?

One helpful tip is to rotate emotional games with others that serve a cognitive or academic purpose. If you're navigating school stress or learning delays, balance word games and math-centered fun with a session of emotional play. In fact, this list of educational board games for 7-year-olds walks the line beautifully between fun and learning.

A Quiet Companion to Emotional Growth

Outside of game time, stories can also offer a window into how other people feel and respond to challenges. Audiobooks are particularly powerful for this age group—they allow space to absorb emotional nuance without the pressure of face-to-face conversation. The iOS and Android app LISN Kids is one such tool: their original audio series for ages 3 to 12 often center around characters navigating everyday emotions, friendships, and family dynamics. It’s a gentle way to reinforce what children explore in board games—without screens or overstimulation.

Final Thoughts

Helping your child understand their emotions is a gradual, ongoing journey—and not one you can solve in a single game night. But when moments of connection are woven into daily life through play, children begin to internalize what those feelings mean, and how to navigate them with growing confidence.

The next time your child is struggling to name what they feel or explain what upset them, consider not launching into problem-solving mode—but pulling out a game. You might be surprised at what unfolds.