Talking, Feeling & Doing Board Game: Parent FAQ
By ChildTherapyToys | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: Product Reviews
Straight answers to the questions parents and new therapists ask most about the Talking, Feeling & Doing Board Game, from play time to age fit and question prompts.
Quick answer
The Talking, Feeling & Doing Board Game is a therapist-led feelings board game for kids, best suited to children who can answer short prompts with support. Most families use it as a structured 20–30 minute check-in, not a free-play toy.
Why the dice-and-pawn format matters
Because play follows a standard board-game loop—place pawns on Start, roll, move, and respond to the square color—the child has a predictable structure to lean on while talking about harder things. The game element lowers pressure; the prompt does the therapeutic work.
Where the game fits and where it doesn't
It is a counseling board game, not a diagnosis tool. Use it when a child is already comfortable with you and can tolerate a turn-taking conversation. If a child is highly dysregulated, very young, or not yet able to answer open questions, a simpler feelings board game for kids or a non-verbal play activity is a better first step.
Parent and counselor FAQ
- How do you play the Talking, Feeling & Doing game?
- Place both pawns on Start, take turns rolling the dice, and move along the path. The color of the square you land on tells you which card category to draw—Talking, Feeling, or Doing—and you answer that prompt before the next turn. Keep the dice and pawns visible so the child can see the structure.
- What kinds of questions are on the cards?
- The cards are grouped by the three categories named in the title: Talking cards ask about thoughts and situations, Feeling cards ask about emotions, and Doing cards ask the child to act something out or describe an action. The exact wording varies by card, so preview a few before the first session. Skim the deck first and set aside any prompt that doesn't fit the child's situation.
- What age is it for?
- The game is designed for children who can answer short open-ended questions with some support—typically school-age kids. Younger children may need you to read and simplify prompts, and older kids may find some cards too basic. Match the child's language level, not just their age.
- How long does a session take?
- Plan for about 20–30 minutes including setup and a short wrap-up. You can shorten it by agreeing to a set number of turns or by stopping at a chosen square rather than playing to the end. Decide the stopping point before you start so the child isn't caught off guard.
- Can parents use it at home without a therapist?
- Yes, with realistic expectations. It works best as a structured feelings check-in where you listen more than you teach. It is not a substitute for therapy if a child is struggling significantly. If a prompt brings up something big, note it and bring it to a professional rather than pressing for a full answer.
- How does it compare with other counseling board games?
- Its main advantage is the familiar board-game loop, which many children accept more readily than a direct question-and-answer format. Its limitation is that it depends on the child's willingness to talk; for children who shut down verbally, a play-based or sand-tray approach may work better first. Choose based on how the child handles questions, not on which game looks more fun.
Product facts
- The Talking, Feeling & Doing Board Game: The first published therapeutic game, by Richard A. Gardner, M.D., is still one of the most popular tools used in child psychotherapy. Its long-standing use means many counselors already know the format, which can make it easier to coordinate with a therapist.
The Talking, Feeling & Doing Board Game
