The Use of Board Games with Angry Children
There are a series of games from Franklin Learning Systems that I have found useful for teaching anger control and anger regulation. The first of these games, Breaking the Chains of Anger, is designed for middle school children. Furious Fred is for elementary school children, but I have found it useful with middle-schoolers, as well. From Rage to Reasonis designed for high-school-aged students and young adults. I have used all three in therapy and have found that they are generally enjoyed by all children and teens. They have good "face validity", in that children understand the purpose of these games and recognize how they can apply the techniques learned. I think it is important to incorporate discussion and role play while playing together.
Recently, Franklin Learning Systems published Smart and Angry, Escape from Anger Island and Intelligent Anger. I have found all these games to be useful adjuncts in play therapy.
For the past 15 years I have had a copy of The Angry Monster Machine in my play room. This game continues to be very popular. Again, I find it important to discuss how the various strategies can be applied and to role play them. When I see younger children I reduce the number of cards outlining anger control strategies.
All of these games are available at ChildTherapyToys.com.
Recently, Franklin Learning Systems published Smart and Angry, Escape from Anger Island and Intelligent Anger. I have found all these games to be useful adjuncts in play therapy.
For the past 15 years I have had a copy of The Angry Monster Machine in my play room. This game continues to be very popular. Again, I find it important to discuss how the various strategies can be applied and to role play them. When I see younger children I reduce the number of cards outlining anger control strategies.
All of these games are available at ChildTherapyToys.com.


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