Emotional Wellness Playbook cover | The Genius of Play

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, The Genius of Play encourages parents and educators to help kids get in touch with their feelings with the Emotional Wellness Playbook. The Toy Association’s nonprofit initiative developed the digital play-based activity book in partnership with mental health expert and founder of Starr Therapy, Talia Filippelli.

“Play and toys are some of the most effective tools to help kids develop the emotional intelligence they will need to successfully navigate the world as they grow up,” Filippelli says. “What’s more, play provides positive emotions and relaxation both kids and adults need to promote emotional wellbeing.”

Kids ages 3 and up can begin learning the importance of mental wellness through 12 play activities designed around five core components of emotional intelligence: emotional self-awareness, empathy, motivation, social skills, and self-regulation.

“Research has shown that children with high emotional intelligence earn better grades, stay in school longer, and make healthier choices overall,” says Anna Yudina, Senior Director of Marketing Initiatives at The Toy Association. “Play is one of the best ways to teach kids about just about anything, and boosting their emotional skills is no exception. From promoting relaxation to encouraging positive emotions, we invite families to use this guide to help kids’ little hearts grow bigger and stronger and build the foundation for a healthy adulthood.”

Related: Painting a Picture of Wellness in the Activities Category

With the Emotional Wellness Playbook, kids will label emotions in Emoji Bingo, practice self-regulation in Calming Bottles, get a deeper understanding of empathy with Puppet Play, and discover self-confidence in Vision Board. The playbook also includes coloring activities and other games such as Color My Feelings, Emotions Word Mix, and Emoji Color By Number.

Visit geniusofplay.org for more information.

About the author

Omar Letson

Omar Letson

Omar is an editorial intern at Adventure Media & Events, writing content for The Pop Insider, The Toy Insider, and The Toy Book. Attending the Savannah College of Art and Design, he plans to pursue a career in magazine journalism. Previously, Omar interned for entertainment news website TV-Tea and for Spitfire Strategies, a public interest communications firm. His favorite TV shows are RuPaul’s Drag Race, Absolutely Fabulous, and WandaVision.

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