One thing that has helped me—and that might help you—is using stories.
Stories Teach What Lectures Cannot
Stories reach children in ways that explanations and rules often do not. When kids hear or read a story, they see emotions play out. They watch characters deal with struggles, make mistakes, and grow. And because it is happening to someone else, it feels safe. Children do not feel judged. Instead, they connect. They reflect. They learn.
Stories Make Emotions Relatable
Kids relate to characters who feel the same way they do. A child who is afraid of the dark might connect with a story about nighttime fears. A child who feels left out can learn from a story about friendship. These stories help children understand that their feelings are normal. They feel seen and understood, and that matters.
Stories Build Empathy
One of the most important parts of emotional intelligence is empathy—understanding how it feels to walk in another’s shoes and caring what it feels like to be there. Fiction gives children a chance to do exactly that. A story about a lonely child at school might help your child think twice about including someone new. Stories that show kindness help children understand how their actions affect others. That kind of awareness stays with them.
Stories Create Safe Spaces to Explore Feelings
It is not always easy for children to talk about feelings. They may not have the words, or they may not want to share. But asking about a character’s emotions can help you get started. You might ask,
- “How do you think the character felt when that happened?”
- “Have you ever felt that way?”
That small shift opens up a door. It allows your child to reflect and talk—without feeling exposed.
Stories Teach Problem-Solving and Resilience
Life can be tough, even for children. They will face disappointments, mistakes, and challenges. In stories, characters face those same things. They stumble, they grow, and they often try again. These stories show children what resilience looks like. They learn that it is okay to struggle—and that getting back up is part of the process.
How to Make the Most of Storytime
Here are a few ideas that have worked well for our family:
Choose Books That Focus On Emotions
Look for stories where characters deal with feelings, relationships, or problem solving. Some of our favorite picture books for younger children include:
- When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang
- The Dark by Lemony Snicket
- The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
- The Rabbit Listened by Cory Doerrfeld
- Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
- Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
Pause and Talk While You Read
Instead of just reading, ask questions like:
- “How do you think the character feels right now?”
- “What do you notice about the picture that makes you think the character feels that way?”
- “Have you ever felt like that?”
Act Out or Role-Play the Story
Try using toys or puppets to play out scenes. Ask:
- “What could the character have done differently?”
- “How would you solve that problem?”
These activities help children practice emotional responses in a playful way.
Create New Endings
Let your child imagine a new ending to the story or come up with what might happen next. Ask questions like:
- “What would you do in that situation?”
- “What could you say or do to help the character feel better?”
- “What else could the character say or do to improve the situation?”
Encourage Children to Tell Their Own Stories
Let your child draw, write, or tell stories about a time they felt happy, sad, or frustrated. Storytelling gives children a chance to take control of their feelings and express them in a creative, healthy way.
From One Parent to Another
I want my kids to grow up emotionally strong, kind, and resilient. I know you do too. That does not mean we need to have all the answers. Sometimes, it just means reading a good book together and asking the right questions. Stories are powerful. They help our children understand themselves, care for others, and face challenges with courage. And those are skills that last a lifetime.
Explore More - Resources to help you find more great emotion books:
References
- Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
- Gopnik, A. (2009). The Philosophical Baby: What Children’s Minds Tell Us About Truth, Love, and the Meaning of Life. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
- Oatley, K. (2016). Fiction: A Guide to the Emotions. Oxford University Press.
- Szalavitz, M., & Perry, B. D. (2010). Born for love: Why empathy is essential—and endangered. William Morrow.
