Lebanese Parents, These Educational Boardgames Are Better Than iPads
If you’re a parent who’s worried that their kids will be sucked into mindless brainrot on the internet, then these educational boardgames offer a smarter way to keep them busy.
These carefully designed games aren’t just random toys or overstimulating distractions; Dr. Layla Yussef Itani, an educational scientist, created them after years of studying how children learn, think, connect, and develop.
Dr. Itani founded The Journey Box with a simple belief: play builds people. Years of experience in classrooms, universities, and educational leadership showed her what parents already know; the skills that truly matter, like empathy, emotional awareness, communication, and problem-solving, aren’t found in textbooks or screens. They grow through real, hands-on interaction.
In fact, therapists and child development specialists use these board games in clinics because they’re such helpful teaching tools!
The Boardgames
The Heartfelt Journey (رحلة من القلب)
A non-competitive board game for kids aged 3+ that helps them understand and express their emotions. Using gentle prompts and playful activities, it encourages meaningful conversations between children and adults. Every turn turns everyday moments into chances to build empathy, resilience, and self-awareness.
You can also choose whether to play in English or Lebanese Arabic! Shop The Heartfelt Journey here.
The Thought Catcher
A reflective card game for all ages that helps players notice, understand, and reshape their thoughts. Through simple prompts and playful reflection, it teaches you to pause, identify unhelpful thinking, and reframe it with a kinder, more supportive inner dialogue.
It builds emotional resilience, confidence, and calm. Shop The Thought Catcher here.
The Treasures of Gratitude (coming soon)
Designed for children aged 3+, this game teaches kids to notice and appreciate life’s small blessings. Using playful prompts and reflection, it helps them shift focus from what’s missing to what’s meaningful, fostering positivity and a sense of security.
Why these games matter
Boardgames are often in homes, classrooms, and even therapy spaces to encourage meaningful conversations about how we think and feel. These specially designed games take it a step further by turning play into a tool for emotional growth.
The holidays are right around the corner! These make an excellent gift for your kids, or for anyone who has a little one to enjoy them with.
Did you find these educational boardgames useful? Make sure to follow The Journey Box on Instagram and check out their website.
