Pou helps kids practice and improve the following skills:

Self-Control

Managing our actions, feelings and behaviors.

Pou provides a great opportunity to exercise self-control through its simple shop system. In order to buy things to keep Pou healthy and alert, the play needs to have coins (which are earned through playing games). If the player does not keep Pou in top form, he or she will be unable to play more mini-games. This means that in order to keep playing the game, the user has to have spent some time thinking about the future and things like how much food and how many potions they will need. Once they have an idea of what they will need, they need to make sure they are controlling any impulses they may have to buy "optional" items like clothing and costumes and new colors. If they don't exercise self-control in these manners, the player will quickly hit a point where they have no money, are unable to purchase the necessary food, and will no longer be able to play the mini-games because Pou isn't healthy enough.

Self-Awareness

Understanding our own actions, thoughts and feelings.

Another important thinking skill used in Pou is self-awareness. The distinct categories that determine if Pou is healthy or not provide structure and guidance for players who struggle in self-assessment and empathy. Seeing the energy square gradually empty and move from green to orange to red will remind the player to keep an eye on Pou's energy, as well as send the goofy blob to bed when its energy is low. These visuals help the player keep on top of their "empathy" for Pou, but also provide ideas to assess and care for their own needs.