This is an interactive game to help families open up communication, identify problem areas, and allows for a non-confrontational way to voice concerns.  It is written with language to allow it to be used by any family constellation—avoiding terms such as mother, father, brother, and sister.  The cards are designed to address a myriad of issues, such as the division of workload, who is in charge, how the family overcomes challenges, and the communication style in the home.
 
This game can be used as an assessment tool, as many diverse issues can appear.  Counselors should also pay attention to how the family members behave while playing.  Do they encourage one another? Do they give hostile body language based on answers they do not like?  Do they respond with empathy or the lack thereof?  It can also offer an opportunity to model appropriate behavior and communication. 
 
This game is also helpful in individual sessions with children to better understand their perception of family interactions.  This will help identify problem areas to address as well as ways to add perspective, ways to improve communication, and to problem-solve difficulties. Finding the strengths within the family can be a way to focus on what is going right to mitigate the difficulties. 
 
Card Topics:
Conductor - Who is in charge at home? How are rules set and implemented?
Trials by Fire - How does the family handle crisis and difficult situations?
Under the Big Top - These cards address interactions within the home.  What does home life look like?
Dinner Time - These cards are specific to meal-time interactions.
Explosions - What does conflict resolution look like in the family? How do family members communicate when they are upset?
Monkeying Around - What are playful interactions like at home? What is fun and engaging with the family?
Elephant in the Room - Are there off-limits topics? How does the family handle difficult conversations?
On the Road - How does the family function when they are not at home? Where do they go? What happens during car rides?
 
Contents include:
1 cover sheet with instructions
1 game board
4 sheets of cards, printed on both sides (12 cards per sheet)
 
Set your printer to print both sides.  Print the game on cardstock.
 
Recommended Ages: 
This resource is best for children ages 5-18.
 
This game is also available as a hard copy and for telehealth.