Using Stories to Help Your Child Handle Big Emotions
When your child struggles with jealousy, anger, or feeling left out, a story can be their safest space. I use interactive storytelling to help children name their feelings, build resilience, and find their own voice.
When my daughter came home crying after being teased, I remembered my secret weapon: a story. We read about a little girl who was bullied, and it helped her understand her feelings were valid. Stories can normalize emotions and teach healthy coping strategies.
Anger, fear, anxiety. These are big emotions for little minds. I believe stories are the most powerful and simple solution to teach children the social and emotional intelligence they need to navigate their world with confidence.
Jealousy is a tricky feeling. This book, "Three Hens and a Peacock," is a funny and brilliant way to talk about it. It teaches children that everyone is special in their own way and that our unique talents are what make us valuable.
I was bullied as a child for being different, so I know how much it hurts. That's why I love sharing "Tacky the Penguin," a story about a penguin who is a little odd but discovers his differences are what make him a hero. It’s a powerful lesson in self-acceptance.
My number one concern as a mother is teaching my child to be kind. I often tell a story about a tired mama elephant, and afterwards, the children are always buzzing with ideas on how to help their own parents. This is how stories build empathy, one tale at a time.
"It's mine!" "No, it's mine!" Sound familiar? This book, "Mine!" by Rachel Bright, is my go to for teaching the value of sharing. It shows how two twins learn that sharing their favorite toy can actually be more fun than fighting over it.
Want to raise a kind child? Stories are your best friend. This selection of books, including "Be Kind" and "The Smartest Giant in Town," provides beautiful examples of how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world.
About this collection
I don’t just read to children; I perform. Whether we are reading "Three Hens and a Peacock" to talk about jealousy or exploring "Tacky the Penguin" to navigate feeling left out, I use voice modulation, simple puppets, and genuine emotion to turn a book into a conversation. It isn't just about entertainment; it’s about giving your child the tools to process whatever they are going through.
As a mother and a former corporate professional who knows what it feels like to be bullied, I created these sessions because I saw a gap. Very few schools teach social and emotional learning in their curriculum. When your child comes home crying because of a fight or feeling small, they often lack the vocabulary to explain why. That is where stories come in.
My sessions focus on identifying and labeling emotions. We don't preach; we experience. Through tales of misunderstood penguins or tired mama elephants, I help children understand that feelings like anger, fear, and sorrow are normal—and temporary.
Why Storytelling Works
- Emotional Vocabulary: We give them words for feelings they find hard to express.
- Safe Exploration: Stories provide a low-pressure environment to discuss what they would do if they were the character.
- Empathy Building: By stepping into someone else's shoes, children naturally learn to be kinder to themselves and others.
Whether it is a private session at your home in Mumbai or a virtual meet-up, the goal remains the same: to help your child grow into a confident, resilient human. I use minimal props—hand puppets, books, and just my voice—to keep the focus entirely on the connection between the story and the child. If you want to move beyond screen time and start a meaningful dialogue, I am here with my suitcase of stories.
Devaki Bhujang Gajare
I’m Devaki, and I know firsthand that stories are the magic potion kids need to handle life's ups and downs. I’ve been where your child is—feeling lost or teased—and I use my personal experience to help them turn fear or anger into confidence.
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