Helping Kids Navigate Life
God has entrusted parents with the daunting task of guiding our children through a world that often feels big, unpredictable, and overwhelming. For a child, everyday moments like a first dentist visit, saying goodbye at preschool, or learning to share can bring anxiety, confusion, or tears. For parents, these situations raise a familiar question: How can I prepare my child for this in a way that helps them feel safe and capable?
Jesus often taught through parables, stories that gave people a picture of themselves in everyday situations. Those simple, memorable stories helped listeners understand deeper truths about life, faith, and relationships. In the same way, children often learn best through stories that show them who they are, what to expect, and how they can respond.
One powerful, practical tool parents can use for this kind of teaching is the Social Story.
What is a Social Story?
A Social Story is a short, personalized narrative that explains:
What will happen in a specific situation
Why it happens
What the child can do
Instead of vague reassurances like “Don’t worry,” Social Stories give children a clear script: Here’s what’s going to happen, and here’s how you can handle it. Think of them as a tool for equipping and empowering your child to navigate the world.
Originally developed to support children with autism, Social Stories are now recognized as powerful tools for all children because everyone benefits from clarity, reassurance, and encouragement. In fact, even adults can benefit from Social Stories when facing new or stressful situations.
Social Stories Work for Every Child
Social Stories work because they combine predictability, empathy, and guidance:
Predictability → Reduces the fear of the unknown
Language for feelings → Helps children put words to emotions
Scripts for success → Models positive behavior instead of only warning against the negative
Confidence and empowerment → Reassures kids they can handle the situation
Whether your child is neurotypical, has anxiety, or lives with autism, ADHD, or another special need, Social Stories make life’s challenges feel smaller and more manageable.
How to Write a Social Story
The traditional way to write a Social Story is simple:
Choose voice (1st person - “I…” / 3rd person - “Alex…”) *
Describe the situation step by step.
Use clear, short sentences.
Validate feelings.
Give a positive action or script.
* There is no “right/wrong” choice for the voice you use in your story, First-person often feels more personal, encourages self-talk (“I can do this.”), and helps kids imagine themselves in the situation. On the other hand, third-person creates emotional distance, which is calming for some children. It also lets kids “watch” someone else succeed before applying it to themselves and makes it easier to weave in creativity (favorite cartoon character, pet, or animal as the main character). We encourage you to try out both and see which your child prefers.
Social Story Examples
Preschool Drop-Off (1st Person)
"Every morning, Mommy takes me to preschool. We drive together and park the car. Sometimes, I feel a little sad when it’s time to say goodbye. That is okay. Lots of kids feel that way. I give Mommy a big hug and a wave. Then I walk inside with my teacher. I will see Mommy again after school. While I’m at preschool, I get to play, learn, and see my friends. Preschool is a safe place for me."
Doctor’s Visit (3rd Person)
"Today Ashley is going to see the doctor. The doctor helps kids like her stay healthy. First, she will sit with Mommy in the waiting room. Then the nurse calls her name. The nurse may check Ashley’s height, weight, and temperature. Sometimes the doctor looks in her ears or throat. It may feel a little funny. If Ashley needs a shot, it will be very quick. Shots help her body stay strong. Mommy will be with her the whole time. After the doctor’s visit, they will go to Chick-fil-a for lunch and Ashley will get ice cream to celebrate her courage at the doctor."
Sharing Toys (1st Person)
"Sometimes I play with my toys. When a friend comes over, they might want to play too. It can be hard to share. I might feel like I don’t want to. That is okay. I can take a deep breath. I can say, ‘Let’s take turns.’ Sharing helps me and my friend have fun together."
Grocery Store Sensory Overload (3rd Person)
"Sometimes Darrell goes to the grocery store with Daddy. The lights are bright, and it can feel loud. Darrell’s body feels like it wants to scream or hide. That is okay. If he feels too much, he can put on his headphones. Darrell can tell Daddy, ‘I need a break.’ Daddy will help him find a quiet place. Soon, they will finish shopping and go home where Darrell can go to his quiet space to relax."
Using AI as a Co-Writer
For parents who feel tired, busy, or unsure of what to say, AI can make writing Social Stories easier. Think of AI as a co-writer that gives you a starting point and you can still add the details that make it personal. The following are examples of prompts you could give AI to create the foundation of a Social Story for your kiddo.
Preschool Drop-Off Prompt:
"Write a short Social Story in in first person for a preschooler named Nevaeh who feels anxious about saying goodbye to her parents at drop-off. Use her friend’s names in the story (Micah and Ally)."
Dentist Visit Prompt:
"Write a Social Story for a 7-year-old named Julia who is nervous about the dentist. Include that she is going to get to pick out a sticker after the visit and that sometimes we get cavities even though we brush/floss. "
Grocery Store Prompt:
“Write a third person Social Story for a child named Alexander who is on the autism spectrum and gets overwhelmed by loud noises at the grocery store. Include frogs, Bluey, and the color green in the story.”
How Parents Can Incorporate Social Stories Into Daily Life
Writing a Social Story is only the first step. The real power comes in sharing it with your child in meaningful, creative ways:
Tell and draw together → Sit with your child and “tell” the story while drawing simple stick figures or pictures to match.
Bedtime routine → Make up a Social Story at bedtime to prepare your child for the next day.
Car rides → Retell the story in the car while driving to school, church, or a playdate.
Make two books → Invite your child to draw one book showing their fears (e.g., “Mom forgets me at school,” or “The dentist hurts me”), then co-create another book with the Social Story that empowers them with reassurance and coping tools.
Make a Social Story family library → Keep stories in a binder or folder so your child(ren) can re-read them anytime they need reassurance.
There’s no single formula for using Social Stories. Your willingness to try, adapt, and connect with your child is what makes them powerful. Social Stories allow parents to create a safe space where their child’s feelings are seen, their worries are met with understanding, and they are equipped to navigate the world in the presence of big feelings.
We love to support parents and kids.
Jesus used stories to teach because stories help us see ourselves, our fears, and our hopes more clearly. Social Stories do the same for children. They offer a road map for confusing or stressful moments, reminding kids that they are safe and capable. Whether you’re helping a child with special needs navigate sensory overload, supporting a preteen with social anxiety, or preparing a preschooler for their first drop-off, a story can make the difference between meltdown and confidence. Start small and keep it simple. Social Stories written with your child are like personal love letters telling them, “You are safe. You can do this. I’ll help you through.”
At Boundless Hope, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported. If your child is struggling with transitions, anxiety, or emotional regulation, we offer play therapy that can help. Reach out today so we can walk with your family on the journey of raising the next generation.