A Bath-based psychologist and mother of three has launched a new psychology-based resource designed to help children develop emotional resilience, confidence and healthy coping skills from an early age.
Created by Dr Emmie Fulton, Hero Cards® translates principles from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) into a colourful, accessible card-based activity for children aged six to 12, designed to be used at home or in school.
The 49-card set takes children through a simple five-stage journey, using fictional heroes and stories to explore everyday challenges such as anxiety, jealousy and sadness. Children are encouraged to identify emotions, thoughts and physical sensations, recognise potentially unhelpful responses including worry, avoidance and perfectionism, and discover practical coping strategies they can remember and use.
“Emotional strength is a skill – and we can teach it,” says Dr Fulton, whose background spans NHS psychological services and academic research. “After years of working with adults struggling with unhelpful thinking patterns, I realised how important it is to give children these tools early.”
Designed to be used repeatedly in sessions as short as 10 minutes, the cards have been co-designed with teachers and psychologists and tested with families. Each pack also provides access to online audio stories, guided exercises, videos and downloadable resources.
A pilot study involving several Bath-area schools is planned for September, while dedicated school resource packs and Teen and SEND editions are currently in development.
“Children shouldn’t have to wait until they’re struggling to learn how to cope,” adds Dr Fulton. “These are the most important life skills they can learn.” Hero Cards® are available now and are priced at £45.
Find out more at: LoveHeroCards.com
Main image: Bath-based psychologist, Dr Emmie Fulton