If I Were a Superhero is a book and game to help children develop a sense of control over their situation. While helpful for most children, this resource is especially good for children who have suffered abuse or experienced trauma. It uses metaphor to help kids identify what would be different in their lives if they had the ability to change things. The “back door” approach of using metaphor helps keep defenses down so children can process emotions and thoughts in a non-threatening format. This resource will help identify goals, triggers, and begin to conceptualize a plan of action to achieve goals.
Children can also identify things that are within their control versus things that are outside of their control. This book highlights many different types of strengths, allowing children to explore their own strengths as well.
The game will challenge children to process triggers and needs. The game card topics include monsters (which can relate to abusers), bad guys, bullies, and fears, which all will challenge children to consider situations that continue to impact their emotional state. It also challenges children to assess strengths, support systems, and coping mechanisms to help them work past their challenges.
Game Cards:
Monsters—Sometimes, children's fear of monsters is simply an irrational fear, but they can also represent abusers. These cards will prompt kids to work through their fears of monsters and identify ways to overcome them.
Bad Guys—Some children have hands-on experience with bad guys in real life, while others may just worry about what would happen to them if they did encounter one. These cards will encourage discussion and, hopefully, resolution to their worries.
Bullies—Children often worry about what to do if they must face a bully. These cards help them identify a plan of action and ways to feel in control.
Facing Fears – Children will be prompted to tell stories about facing fears or to discuss situations that may be terrifying.
Big Issues – These prompts discuss how to make the world a better place or where the child can find peace during distress.
Life’s Storms—Sometimes, natural disasters are the source of trauma for children. These cards can help children work through weather worries and use the metaphor to discuss difficult seasons of life they have experienced.
Getting There – These prompts discuss how to get out of stressful situations and the mechanisms they would use to escape.
Home Base – These questions focus on places and people who make the child feel safe and calm. Knowing where a child feels safe is an excellent start to developing a safety plan. Sometimes the answers to these questions are shocking! It is essential to understand why a child does or does not feel safe with the different people involved in their daily lives.
Product Details:
The book/game cover, gameboard, and cards are printed on 110 lb cardstock. The interior pages of the book are printed on 64 lb paper. It is bound by a 6mm spiral.
Recommended Ages:
This resource is best for children ages 5-11.
A telehealth version of this resource is also available.