Don't Have a Cow: CBT Therapy Game for Kids by Da Vinci's Room (Version 2)

Overview

Don't Have a Cow is a CBT-inspired board game designed to help kids explore big feelings in a friendly, guided setting. Version 2, created with input from a licensed therapist, turns therapy concepts into a playful, structured activity that families, teachers, and clinicians can use together.

How it works

Players move cow-shaped tokens through a simple journey aligned with the ABCD method: Activating event, Belief, Consequence, and a plan to Dispute or Decide next steps. Through play, children identify triggers that spark anger, sadness, anxiety, or fear and practice a calm response for future moments.

What’s included and how it feels

The game uses four cow pieces to personify the four emotions, a color-rich game board, prompt cards, and a compact rule book. The visuals and tactile pieces are designed to be engaging without being overwhelming.

• ABCD-based progression helps kids verbalize what happened and what they can do next.
• Two play modes give flexibility: competitive pacing for focus and cooperative problem solving for teamwork.

Who it’s for

Ideal for 2-4 players, ages 8 and up. It’s a fit for therapists, teachers, parents, and homeschoolers who want a structured tool to support social-emotional learning.

Practical use cases

• In therapy sessions to structure discussion and track progress over time.
• In classrooms as a fun SEL activity that builds communication and empathy.
• At home to practice coping strategies after challenging moments.

Why it stands out

Built with clinician insight, Don't Have a Cow translates complex emotions into accessible, repeatable steps. It invites conversation, supports goal-oriented reflection, and offers a sense of agency through hands-on play.