The Art of Following Their Lead
When we share stories with children, it's tempting to come with a lesson plan or specific talking points. But the real magic happens when we let their natural curiosity and understanding guide the way.
- Encourage children to find their own connections
- Focus on themes they naturally gravitate toward
- Let stories spark discussions without forcing outcomes
Creating Space for Natural Conversations
The best discussions often happen when children feel safe and curious. Let their spontaneous observations and questions guide meaningful conversations.
- During quiet moments after finishing a story
- When they return to a book days or weeks later
- Through connections they make to their own lives
- In response to their thoughtful questions
Books as Bridges: A Guide to Common Big Feelings
Here are some beloved books that naturally open doors to important conversations, along with gentle ways to explore their themes:
- Managing Anxiety and Worry: Ruby Finds Her Courage by Tom Percival
- Processing Anger: When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry... by Molly Bang
- Dealing with Change: The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
- Understanding Different Families: Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
- Coping with Loss: The Memory Box by Joanna Rowland
- Building Self-Acceptance: I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont
Following Their Path: Discussion Strategies
When children open up about big feelings, use these strategies to guide the discussion:
- Echo their questions and ask for their thoughts first
- Acknowledge their feelings without judgment
- Share your own experiences in relatable ways
- Use open-ended questions to encourage reflection
Creating Safe Spaces for Big Feelings
Ensure that reading time becomes a comfortable space for exploring emotions by:
- Making the environment cozy and secure
- Allowing silence and moments of reflection
- Welcoming all emotions and thoughts
- Celebrating their unique insights and questions
Moving Forward Together
Every time we open a book with a child, we create opportunities for connection and understanding. Through stories, we help children build emotional vocabulary, empathy, and resilience.
About the Author
Karina Vunnam is the founder of Creative Nudge Press and author of the Mumbai Street Siblings series. Her work focuses on creating authentic, empathetic stories that help children understand different life experiences while celebrating resilience and hope.
