We have been busy this fall working on a not-for-profit project, the EQJOY card game and accompanying Emotion Explorer Guide. The aim of the project is to support children’s emotional intelligence (EQ) development through the power of play.

“Emotional intelligence is an ability -we can all learn to thrive”

We have dived into the existing research on emotional intelligence and children’s emotional development, and we believe that EQJOY can have a hugely positive impact on children’s emotional wellbeing, something needed now more than ever.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 14 % of the world’s 10 to 19 year-olds experience poor mental health. Unfortunately, this number is only increasing. In North America, child health organizations have declared a national mental health crisis, as the rates of children’s mental health emergencies have doubled during the pandemic. Our children need help and support. 

The EQJOY card game is aimed specifically at children aged 7 to 11, but we hope that older children and adults also have fun developing their EQ with this game! By playing the game, children will learn to express emotions in different ways, they will expand their emotional vocabulary and they will increase their understanding of emotions and what triggers them. Building emotional intelligence together with others and at a peaceful time while having fun, is the best way to learn.

“We believe that being together and learning about emotions have the power to change the world.”

These are exciting times, as we have just sent the first edition of the EQJOY card game off for printing. This first edition will be tested by both experts, such as teachers and child psychologists, and families living in the US. The test group’s valuable feedback will then be used to further enhance the game before our full launch in the spring 2022.