Many adults were never taught emotional skills — yet we’re expected to teach them to our children.

Hero Cards make that easier. They:

• Start meaningful conversations
• Build emotional awareness
• Teach practical coping tools
• Encourage resilience and problem-solving

They’re designed as a preventative toolkit — helping children develop skills early that support mental wellbeing long term.

The cards are aimed at ages 6-12 years +. Children can begin from around age 6 with support. The average starting age is 8.

Younger children can use just the Hero, Story and Emotion cards first, moving on when they're ready.

There is no expiry date. They are designed to grow with your child. We've had older teens find them helpful and even parents!

Hero Cards translate deeper psychological tools — including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — into playful, age-appropriate language for children as young as six.

They go beyond surface-level wellbeing prompts and teach practical, research-backed strategies in a format children enjoy using.

Simple to use. Evidence-based. Designed specifically for young minds.

Hero Cards are designed to be very simple for busy parents.

It's just 5 easy steps:

1. Choose a Hero (red card) - someone like you or totally different! Choose who’s going on the adventure.

2. Pick a Story (purple card) - that tackles real-life challenges like loss, jealousy and fear.

3. Explore Emotions (green cards) - Spot what your hero might be feeling now – notice thoughts, feelings, and body sensations.

4. Spot Power Stealers (blue cards) - Uncover the tricky habits that drain our energy like worrying, perfectionism or avoiding.

5. Develop Superpowers (yellow cards) - Activate powerful coping tools for mind and body. Simple, science-based strategies for emotional strength.

You can complete a full “Hero Journey” or use just one or two card types at a time. There are no right or wrong combinations — explore them in different ways over time.

There are also short explainer videos you can access in the Members' Portal to help you.

In the Hero Cards' pack you will find a QR code which take you to the Members' Portal. Here you'll find short explainer videos to help you make the most out of Hero Cards. You'll also find audio versions of the stories and some Superpowers performed by actors; Superpower practice printables and a motivational Power Poster to help your child record their favourite Superpowers.

Hero Cards are designed to be adaptable to your child’s needs. Here are just a few ideas. You'll find more on the Members' Portal.

• Use just Hero, Story and Emotion cards for younger children.
• Do one card at a time if attention is limited.
• Use the QR code to listen to stories instead of reading.
• Act out, draw, or discuss emotions instead of reading aloud.
• Start with body-based Superpowers if calming is needed first.

Keep it short, simple and enjoyable — and build gradually.

There are no right or wrong answers and there are no correct Emotion or Superpower Cards to choose at any point. Everyone experiences challenges differently. If you get stuck, the fold-out guide includes quick-reference tables suggesting emotions the hero may feel in each story and Superpowers that can help.

Over time, children learn that different people can respond to the same situation in different ways — which builds empathy and flexibility.

Power Stealers are common coping habits we all use — such as avoidance, people-pleasing, distraction, shouting, or withdrawing.

They may help in the short term, but they rarely solve the problem long term.

The goal isn’t to label them as “bad,” but to help children recognise when a strategy isn’t truly helping — and explore more effective alternatives.

Superpowers are simple, science-backed tools based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

They help children:

• Calm their bodies
• Shift unhelpful thinking patterns
• Solve problems
• Build resilience

They’re practical, memorable, and designed so children can use them independently over time.

Hero Cards are designed to be self-guided, so children can use them themselves, but it’s great if you’re on hand to help or answer questions. Offer support at the beginning, then step back as confidence grows.

The cards provide prompts and structure. You can:

• Read questions aloud
• Model answers
• Remind them there are no right or wrong responses

Talking about a hero often feels safer than talking about themselves. When they’re ready, you can gently link it to real life.

While not designed specifically for SEND children, the cards are flexible and can be adapted to suit different needs. We are however planning to design a pack created specifically for SEND children soon. 

Start with short sessions. You can make it playful — act, draw or role-play. Practice is key. 

Encourage your child to:

• Try different Superpowers
• Use stickers to track progress
• Choose favourites to display on their Hero Backpack
• Use printable resources to build habits
• Practise Superpowers together and you model using them yourself first if children are unsure.

Over time, these tools become automatic coping skills.

Superpowers are divided into:

• Foundational (suitable for all)
• Advanced (10 years+)

Every child develops emotional awareness and skills at different rates. That’s completely normal. If something feels too complex, skip it and return to it later. The cards are designed to grow with your child — and can be revisited over years.

We've found that Hero Cards have been enjoyed by teenagers but some may find the heroes and stories too young.

If so, you can use the Emotion, Power Stealer and Superpower cards on their own, without the Hero and Story elements.

A teen edition is in development with more age-relevant scenarios.

Hero Cards are designed for simplicity. You can use them in 5-minute bursts — before bed, after school, or even on journeys.

Pick one card of each colour and follow the prompts. The structure does the thinking for you.

No specialist knowledge is required. They are designed to be self-guided.

Everything you need is on the cards. Children can use them independently, with siblings, or with light adult support.

It’s normal for children to feel emotional when discussing challenges.

Emotional activation isn’t harmful — what matters most is that your child feels safe, heard and supported.

No. Hero Cards are preventative tools, not a treatment for mental health conditions. If you have concerns about your child’s wellbeing, please speak to your doctor or a qualified professional.

If you’re worried, speak to your family doctor or a qualified health professional.

If you live in the UK, you may also find support through:

• YoungMinds (Parents Helpline and practical guides)
• Scottish Association for Mental Health (Support for parents and guardians)
• NHS (Child & Young Person mental health resources)

Yes. They have been tested in classrooms and group settings. Teacher resources and lesson plans are in development.

For school enquiries: hello@loveherocards.com

Yes. They can be used by anyone working with children. Child counsellors, occupational therapists, support workers and other professionals have used the cards in various child-focused settings.

We are proud to supply schools and organisations around the world at a discounted rate for bulk orders. Please get in touch to ask about pricing at hello@loveherocards.com