Occupational therapist perspective on Candy Land as a way to support the development of emotional regulation and executive function skills in young children
Let’s talk about something we all know and (maybe) love: Candy Land. Yes, that colorful, sugary game that feels like a magical fairyland where everyone wins... until you don’t. And then the tears. The tantrums. The dramatic "I’m never playing again!" outbursts. But before you toss that board game into the closet (or use it to build a fort in the living room), let’s take a step back. Because, guess what? It might actually be doing more for your child than you think.
As an occupational therapist, I’m here to tell you that the benefits of Candy Land go way beyond teaching your child how to color match (though, don’t get me wrong, that’s important too). This deceptively simple game is a goldmine for emotional regulation and executive function skill development. I know what you’re thinking: “But, it is just a game about moving pieces and drawing cards.” Trust me, there’s science behind it. And I’m about to break it down.
1. Emotional Regulation: A Rollercoaster of Feelings (Without the Upside-Down Loops)
Let's start with the emotional rollercoaster that is Candy Land. Your child starts off with the biggest hopes and dreams: “I’m going to win this time! I KNOW IT!” Then, they pull a card that makes them move backward. Or worse, they end up stuck on a licorice spot and lose a turn. Their face drops. Their heart sinks. And for a brief moment, you might question whether this game should come with a disclaimer like, “Warning: May cause mild existential crisis.”
But guess what? This is actually great practice for emotional regulation. It’s a low-stakes scenario where your child can experience disappointment, frustration, and surprise, all in a safe environment. Your child is learning to manage a situation where they don’t have total control. Sometimes you land on a spot that’s good, sometimes not. Even though the rules are set, they’re learning how to cope with a little uncertainty.
As an OT, I’m a huge fan of opportunities like these. They allow your child to practice naming their feelings, waiting to see how things turn out, and learning to accept setbacks. So, when they inevitably say, “I don’t like this game anymore,” you’ve got a chance to gently nudge them toward a growth mindset. Encourage deep breaths. Maybe even a little “I can do hard things” mantra.
2. Executive Function Skills: Wait, What? Yes, Please!
Candy Land isn’t just about feelings—oh no, it’s also a superb way to work on those executive function skills we’re always talking about. Executive functions are like the brain's air traffic controllers—they help kids with things like:
Planning (deciding who gets to go first: rock, paper, scissors or age)
Organization (keeping track of the game’s rules)
Impulse control (reaching for the deck of cards before it is their turn)
Working memory (remembering who goes next, has the gingerbread man already been picked)
Here's the magic: Candy Land encourages kids to think about what comes next. They might not be planning their route in a literal sense, but when they have to wait for their turn, they’re practicing working memory and impulse control as they anticipate what might happen. And if they do finally land on that sugary sweet spot (hello, Queen Frostine!), they’ve also had to practice delayed gratification.
3. Patience: The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself
Let’s face it: Candy Land is not a fast-paced game. It’s a game of patience—something that’s tough for all of us (especially on a rainy afternoon). But here’s the beauty of it: while you might be mentally planning out your grocery list in the back of your mind, your child is actually practicing the art of waiting. This means less of the “are we there yet?” moments and more “I’m in control of my actions” moments.
You may have to remind them that they can’t move forward until their turn comes up, and you might need to prompt them to take turns gracefully (sigh, yes, I know)—but trust me, they are building that mental muscle for waiting.
So, the next time you hear a dramatic “I hate this game!” from your child when playing, remember that they’re actually learning some important life skills. They’re managing emotions, practicing self-control, and building patience—all while trying to reach that mystical land of gumdrops. And hey, if they’re learning to manage their frustration over a colorful path, they’ll probably be more prepared to handle their frustration over, say, not getting the last piece of pizza (you know, when the stakes are higher).
So, give yourself a high-five, and maybe even treat yourself to a candy cane after the game. You’re not just playing a game—you’re building emotional regulation and executive function skills, one sticky, candy-colored step at a time.
Happy Playing!
Comments