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LET’S DISCUSS THE STORIES ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Learning, Self-Confidence

1. In this story, how does Sacha learn to hide? Why do you think her method works?

2. Why do you think Sacha keeps asking her mother whether she is hiding well?

3. Do you think she will always need to ask her mother to know if she is hiding well? Why or why not?

Bedtime Story written by David A. Miller

Illustrated by Tanja Tomusilovic

Music Video by “Adding the Sun” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Digya” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Bumba Crossing” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Let’s Chat About The Stories ~ Ideas for Talking With Kids

Growth Mindset

1. The sleepy boy does not read very well, but the Smart Frog does. Why do you think the Smart Frog succeeds in learning to read? What does he do differently to the boy?

2. Why do you think all the other frogs are excited to learn to read? What do you think is good about knowing how to read?

Bedtime Story written by Nguyễn Trần Thiên Lộc, Translated by Gouri Srinidhi

Bedtime Story illustrated by Trần Lưu Đăng Nguyên

Other Credits:

Music Video from zapsplat.com

Attribution Text: The Smart Frog (English), translated by Gouri Srinidhi, based on original story Kèng Kẹc Học Chữ (Vietnamese), written by Nguyễn Trần Thiên Lộc , illustrated by Trần Lưu Đăng Nguyên, published by Room to Read (© Room to Read, 2012) under a CC BY 4.0 license on StoryWeaver. Read, create and translate stories for free on www.storyweaver.org.in

* THE STORY ‘THE SMART FROG’ WAS CREATED BY PRATHAM BOOKS AND IS LICENSED UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS -BY-4.0 LICENSE. FORMATTING CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE ORIGINAL WORK FOR EASE OF READING ON OUR WEBSITE. THEY INCLUDE FONT AND FORMATTING, AND AN EDITED FINAL PAGE. YOU CAN READ THE ORIGINAL AT www.storyweaver.org.in

The post The Smart Frog first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

© Storyberries 2023

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LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE STORY ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Trying, Motivation, Conversation

1. Have you ever tried hard to do something a little bit scary? What was it? How did it turn out?

2. When we are learning, do you think it’s better to try, or not try? Why or why not?

Bedtime Story for Kids written by Prarthana Gururaj

Illustrated by Yesim Serce

Book design by Jade Maitre

Music Video by Devonshire Waltz Andante Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Starting Out Waltz Vivace Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The post I Can Try, I Can Fly! first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

© 2023 Storyberries

Visit Storyberries Bookstore

LET’S DISCUSS THE STORIES ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Trying, Learning, Motivation

1. In this story, the Easter Bunny has a lot to learn on his first Easter egg delivery! How are some of the ways he learns where to put the eggs?

2. When the Park Keeper tells the Easter Bunny he is holding the map upside down, the Easter Bunny laughs and says he will be better next Easter. Do you think this is the right way to approach things when someone helps you to be better? Why or why not?

3. How do you think the Easter Bunny’s response is helpful to him learning?

Bedtime Story written by Andrea Kaczmarek

Illustrated by Faishal Aziz

Music Video by “Vivacity” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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© Storyberries 2022

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LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE STORY ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Trying, Persistence

1. Stripy Elephant doesn’t know how to read at first. How does he learn to read?

2. At the end of the story, Stripy Elephant can still only read a few words. Do you think this means he should give up on his dream of reading a bedtime story? Why or why not?

3. How do you think Stripy Elephant could learn enough words to read an entire bedtime story?

Short Story for Kids written by Andrea Kaczmarek

Illustrations by Lee Feld

Book Design by Jade Maitre

Music video by “Hamster March” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com, “Call to Adventure” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Mysterioso March” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Scheming Weasel (slower version)” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The post Elephants Can Read, Too! first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

The arrival of a baby is a joyful occasion for parents who want to expand their family. Parents also often wonder whether the newborn will be received in such a joyful way by the other children. A lot depends on the age of the siblings. Some children look forward to having a baby sibling, while others may feel doubtful or jealous. Sometimes how children feel before the arrival of the baby can be different to how they feel afterwards (the reality of living with a baby may not match their expectation!), and of course children feel lots of different emotions each day. Each member who joins the family generates a change, so it’s good be aware, to best prepare the family.

Typical behaviour in the older sibling

It may happen that children show regressive or more infantile behaviour, such as peeing or pooping, wanting to go back to the bottle, or wanting to sleep with their parents. They may also be more irritable, have a low tolerance for frustration, seem less patient and be more demanding of care. It is important to understand that these are all symptoms of feeling vulnerable and displaced, so it helps to be empathetic and understanding.

When kids are dealing with a new situation outside of their experience, they need the adults around them to guide them to a place of understanding. Storyberries offers free online children’s books, and parenting tips, to help kids feel good about a new baby in the family.

Sharing the news

It is important the child learns news of the new baby in a simple, straightforward way from the parents. Ideally they would hear this before the rest of the family so they feel special. You can be creative. Some parents use gifts (for example a balloon or a shirt with the announcement: “big brother’ or ‘big sister’) 

Enjoying the baby before birth

In order for your kid to begin to understand that the little brother is a child just like him, it is advisable to encourage him to feel the baby’s kicks or listen to his heartbeat. The child may like to talk to the baby or tell them stories.

Preparing for baby together

Involve the child in preparing for the baby’s arrival. You could sit together to choose a name. Prepare the baby’s room and purchases in advance, so that the changes take place little by little. 

Lots of reassurance

Invite the older child to express how they feel, and reassure them that its okay to say if they feel unsure or unhappy. Create special moments to be with just them and reassure them that after the baby is born, they will still be loved exactly the same as before, even though you can’t spend all your time with them.

After baby is born

When the baby is born, take the child as soon as possible so that she can check that Mum is well and meet the new baby. That first contact is very important. If the older child feels displaced or ignored it will be difficult to reverse the feeling.

Keep your arms free to hug the older child. If the baby is calm they can stay in their crib, or be held by another family member so you can show love to the older one. Depending on his age, you can then let them caress or hold the baby (with support) to satisfy their curiosity.

 

Ask for help, so you can self care

Take care of yourself, being very kind and gentle with how you feel. Having a new baby is a big adjustment for everyone, not just for the older child. Ask friends or neighbours for help where you can, so you can take time out for yourself, and also have happy quality time with your older children. People love to help out.  

Old and new activities

Where possible, help the older child to keep their regular routine, so they get to go to school, see their friends or go to their clubs.

Also, try to involve them in the care of the little one. Depending on their age, they might help prepare the baby’s bath or bring you things to change the diaper. Praise and encouragement will help the older child feel good about their new role, and will be more likely to take on their new responsibilities happily.

Some Free Books About Being A Big Brother or Sister At Storyberries

Rusty and Me

It is very natural for children to feel jealous when there is a new baby in the family. Everyone is so excited, and giving so much attention to the new arrival! In this story, Rusty the old school bus feels jealous and insecure when a shiny new car arrives in town.

Baby Brother Surprise

Little Princess Josie has had a dream life, with parents who give her adoring attention. One day she gets a shock when they bring home baby Alfie. Josie feels jealous and lonely, but she decides she doesn’t want Alfie to be turned into a slug! A gorgeous story to share.

I Love my Mom

In this delightful short story, a little girl describes all the things she loves about her mum – a beautiful reminder of family love. This book may be helpful for a new sibling to encourage them to be kind and loving like Mom.

In Search of a Baby

In this story for 7-12 year olds, Meg becomes lost when she runs away, looking for a baby in the forest. She finds Mr and Mrs Stone, who gently help her to feel more reassured about her new baby brother back at home.

Article by Luzmery M. Romero Gamboa and Fleur Rodgers

Luzmery works in the area of clinical psychology as a psychotherapist for children, adolescents and families. Since 2016, she has run a Psychological Center in Venezuela called Psicoluz. She offers workshop facilitations to parents, is involved in recreational activities for children, and has been working as a freelancer since 2017 performing online psychotherapy. 

Fleur is a meditation teacher in France and uses a compassion and loving-kindness based approach to meditation and slow-minded living. Fleur posts regularly to Instagram @rodgers.fleur . She has two children, is a qualified teacher in adult education and is the founder of Timeouttobreathe.com 

The post Being A Big Brother Or Sister first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

Learning to express how we feel

As it is, we live in a culture that does not support pain. If from a very young age, we were taught to express and validate all the different shades of emotion, we would have greater capacity to face sadness without falling into depression, and have a better toolbox to face anger without becoming violent.

How does sadness manifest in kids?

When children feel sad they may be irritable, agitated, aggressive or hyperactive. On the other hand they may seem discouraged, withdrawn or reluctant to participate in activities that previously gave them pleasure. They may not want to join in a game, or they may give up very easily, even when encountering the least difficulty. We may notice them sleeping less or much more than usual, or see sudden changes in eating habits such as a loss of appetite.

Storyberries offers practical suggestions for helping children cope with sadness, as well as free online children’s books about different emotions, including sadness.

Naming emotions

Helping children identify their emotions by naming the emotions, and giving words for how they feel: “I understand that you feel sad …” or, “”This situation must have made you feel bad.”

Little by little children can be helped to recognize that there are words for what they are feeling, and that their feelings can be named and made sense of. This helps children to organise their experiences in their minds.

It’s okay to not feel okay

Making it okay to feel sad: we can explain that although sadness doesn’t feel good, it is normal to feel it from time to time, and that everyone, without exception, feels like this when they lose something, when they feel lonely or rejected, when they feel like they’ve done something wrong, or when something unpleasant happens.

Expressing how we feel in healthy ways

Expressing our own emotions in healthy ways so children can copy us: instead of hiding our feelings, phrases like: “I feel angry about what you did”, “Let’s talk another time, I am very upset …” or “I feel sad about the situation” are very powerful. In this way we show sadness to be a passing emotion, a temporary state of mind that does not go beyond a day or two at the most.

Encouraging kids to talk

Helping kids to identify negative thoughts. Storybooks are a really good way to discuss feelings, and so too is drawing. Listening and encouraging children to express their sadness and fears allows them to understand that we are all vulnerable, and that feeling sad or afraid does not equate to being weak.

Sadness also shows up in different ways in children, so when confronted with undesirable or unexpected behaviour, it helps if we can maintain a listening attitude. This allows us space to think, and to find out what is happening.

Validating and empowering

Validate feelings by recognising the sadness as real, and avoid downplaying (with phrases like “come on, this is nothing, it is just nonsense, do not get like that”, “go on, you’re whining again”, or “quit now.”)

Help find a solution: most problems have a solution, so as parents we can try to guide the child back to a state of serenity and happiness.

 

Resourcing kids for the future

When we are able to recognize the sadness that our kids face, and when we make it easier for them to express what they feel, we help to calm and lessen the heavy feeling. Doing so also helps children develop their own resources for managing emotions and staying calm, which can help them in the future.

Please note that if a child continues to seem very unhappy, to behave in ways that are challenging or uncharacteristic, or if you are still worried, it’s a good idea to seek professional help.

Some Free Books About Sadness At Storyberries

Mama Chick’s New Easter Hat

When Mama Chick feels sad, her children help to brighten her day. As they look around the farmyard to find beautiful flowers to decorate her hat, their show of love and care makes everyone feel happy.

Ollie is Scared

In this story Ollie feels sad because he is afraid of being bullied at school. His mum helps him to talk about his feelings..Then they meet his teacher and together they come up with a good plan that helps all the children.

The Letter

Often sadness is accompanied by other feelings such as hurt, anger or frustration. It can be hard for children to express how they feel, especially when the sadness involves people they love. In this beautifully written and illustrated story, Julia finds a way to express her sadness about her parents’ separation, by writing them a letter.

Who Stole Bhaiya’s Smile?

Bhaiya has been feeling the weight of sadness for so long, it’s become a depression. For Bhaiya it feels like he has a heavy monster on his back. Bhaiya’s family and friends all want to get rid of the monster so they can see Bhaiya smile again, but it isn’t that easy. In time, they learn to accept and welcome Bhaiya exactly as he is, and then his feeling of sadness starts to lift.

Article by Luzmery M. Romero Gamboa and Fleur Rodgers

Luzmery works in the area of clinical psychology as a psychotherapist for children, adolescents and families. Since 2016, she has run a Psychological Center in Venezuela called Psicoluz. She offers workshop facilitations to parents, is involved in recreational activities for children, and has been working as a freelancer since 2017 performing online psychotherapy. 

Fleur is a meditation teacher in France and uses a compassion and loving-kindness based approach to meditation and slow-minded living. Fleur posts regularly to Instagram @rodgers.fleur . She has two children, is a qualified teacher in adult education and is the founder of Timeouttobreathe.com 

The post Helping kids understand and cope with feeling of sadness first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

How to best approach an anxious child

It helps if we can stay calm and be reassuring, as our own fears can otherwise worsen the situation. Getting down to the same level, making reassuring eye contact, and holding hands if you can, can all really help. Storyberries offers free children’s books on anxiety, and parenting tips to help parents support an anxious child.

Showing empathy

Anxiety is fear, so it helps for children to know that we understand and that we also feel fear sometimes. Once your child is calmer, you can give thought to possible solutions.

Being calming and soothing

Taking deep breaths together – breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. Calming with words may, or may not, help – when we are feeling very anxious we don’t always hear what is being said to us. 

Giving a hug can also be a useful way to calm the nervous system – through a reassuring hug we can transmit a sense of tranquility and safety.

Creating an action plan

You can help make a positive action plan with the child on what to do if the anxiety comes back again. Depending on the context (home, school etc.) the plan may involve breathing exercises, taking a short walk outside or drawing a picture. There are lots of possibilities.

Encouraging kids to talk

Helping kids to identify negative thoughts. Storybooks are a really good way to discuss feelings, and so too is drawing. Listening and encouraging children to express their fears allows them to understand that we are all vulnerable, and that feeling afraid does not equate to being weak.

Support for parents

Seeing your child suffer from anxiety can be very painful, frustrating and confusing. Parents usually wonder at some point if they are the cause of their child’s anxiety. Research shows that anxiety is often the result of multiple factors. Whatever the cause of your child’s anxiety, you can help ease it. You can also help your child to develop good coping and self-care skills. As with any childcare issue, don’t be afraid to ask for professional help.

 

Some Free Books About Anxiety and Fear At Storyberries

Scared Tumi

“Everybody gets scared. Mama says it’s okay. In this lovely, simple story, Tumi talks about the different things that scare him while his Mama reminds him that he is reassures him with her kind words and loving presence.

Ollie is Scared

Sometimes anxiety arises out of very real events that are happening to kids. In this story Ollie feels sick and too scared to go to school because he is afraid of being bullied. His mum helps him to talk about his feelings..Then they meet his teacher and together they come up with a good plan that helps all the children.

I Am Not Afraid!

In this delightful story, with gorgeous illustrations, a young girl faces her fear of the dark and discovers she has lots of courage!

Article by Luzmery M. Romero Gamboa and Fleur Rodgers

Luzmery works in the area of clinical psychology as a psychotherapist for children, adolescents and families. Since 2016, she has run a Psychological Center in Venezuela called Psicoluz. She offers workshop facilitations to parents, is involved in recreational activities for children, and has been working as a freelancer since 2017 performing online psychotherapy. 

Fleur is a meditation teacher in France and uses a compassion and loving-kindness based approach to meditation and slow-minded living. Fleur posts regularly to Instagram @rodgers.fleur . She has two children, is a qualified teacher in adult education and is the founder of Timeouttobreathe.com 

The post Helping kids cope with feelings of fear and anxiety first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

Children run into unknown people all the time – on the street, in stores and in the park. In most cases the people they meet are very nice.  However, there is also the chance they will come across people who are not, so it’s very important that children know how to recognise situations that may involve risks with strangers.

Who is strange and who is not?

The fact that a person is a stranger to a child does not mean they are dangerous, so it is important for children to be able to  differentiate between unknown people who are better to avoid, and people from whom they do not need to doubt.

Keeping safe and getting help

At any given time, our children may find themselves in a situation where they need to enlist the help of a stranger, for example, if they are lost.  Children need to know how to identify situations that might be dangerous, how to detect signs of risky or suspicious behavior, and how to get help.

Where do I start?

Please read on…Storyberries provides free online children’s books, and parenting tips on how to have discussions with kids around safety.

Teach kids to be suspicious, and seek immediate help, if a stranger:

Invites them for a car ride
Offers them a gift
Tries to convince them to do something without permission
Asks them to go and help with something
Asks them to keep a secret
Tries to touch the child, or asks the child to touch them
Bothers them in any way

Four Steps to Remember

To prevent your child from facing risks with strangers, make sure they are prepared to follow these four steps if they face any of these situations:

Say “no”.
Get out of there immediately.
Scream loudly for help.
Tell a trusted adult what has happened

Safety in numbers

Motivate children to play in a group; it is always better for children to accompany one another.

Identify safe zones in advance

Explain to kids the difference between a safe place and one that is less safe, and show them examples.
Show them places where they would be less likely to encounter trouble.
Encourage them to trust their instincts. When we do not have a good feeling about a person or situation, it is better to move away.
Tell them where to go for help.

Staying safe online

Another very important issue is to supervise and protect children’s use of the Internet, as social networks can hide many dangers. Children can face the malicious intent of adults who try to manipulate and deceive them, and it is important to offer them guidance, information and strategies on the safest ways to negotiate appropriate online spaces, and to monitor their activities.

Instruct kids where to go for help

Instruct them to first find someone wearing a uniform, preferably a police officer, a guard, or a store employee. If they do not see anyone in uniform, it is best to look for people accompanied by children, or someone elderly. 

Also, teach that it is best to ask for help in a public place. It is also important that children recognise the houses of friends and family, as well as shops and restaurants in the neighborhood, where they can go to get help if needed. 

 

Some Free Books About Stranger Danger and Keeping Safe At Storyberries

Danger Worm

Papa worm is often telling the worm children about the dangers of being outside (there are birds, frogs, and even children with big welly boots!). A super story for introducing kids to the importance of keeping safe when they are playing outside.

The Runaway Pig

Lalita the pig goes on an adventure when she sees the garden gate left open! She has such a merry time exploring! A super, entertaining, story offering opportunities to talk about the fun of adventuring, balanced with the need to keep safe.

The Mystery of the Cyber Friend

A story (broadly aimed at 7-12 year olds) that deals with the dangers of online deception. As this story deals with potentially adult themes, please look at it to assess whether it is appropriate, before showing it to your child. Offers valuable and important messages about online safety.

Article by Luzmery M. Romero Gamboa and Fleur Rodgers

Luzmery works in the area of clinical psychology as a psychotherapist for children, adolescents and families. Since 2016, she has run a Psychological Center in Venezuela called Psicoluz. She offers workshop facilitations to parents, is involved in recreational activities for children, and has been working as a freelancer since 2017 performing online psychotherapy. 

Fleur is a meditation teacher in France and uses a compassion and loving-kindness based approach to meditation and slow-minded living. Fleur posts regularly to Instagram @rodgers.fleur . She has two children, is a qualified teacher in adult education and is the founder of Timeouttobreathe.com 

The post Stranger Danger first appeared on Bedtime Stories.