Helping Children Build Independence and Emotional Regulation
Jul 23, 2026 | aliciamarcano | News | social stories
Every child learns and grows at their own pace, and gentle guidance can make a big difference in building their confidence. Our latest Social Stories have been created to support children in developing two essential life skills: independence and emotional regulation.
“I Can Do Things on My Own” encourages children to take pride in completing everyday tasks independently. From waving goodbye at drop-off and putting away their belongings to managing toileting, washing hands, packing away lunchboxes, and getting ready for home, the story promotes confidence through simple, achievable routines. These skills help children become more self-reliant while fostering a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.
“When I Am Upset” helps children recognise and manage big emotions in a safe and positive way. The social story teaches children to notice when they are feeling angry or upset, avoid hurting others, use their words to express how they feel, ask for help when needed, and choose calming strategies such as spending time in a quiet space. Once calm, children are encouraged to talk about their feelings, helping them build communication and emotional awareness.
Social Stories are a valuable tool because they present everyday situations in a clear, predictable, and reassuring way. Reading them regularly at home and in the learning environment helps children understand expectations, practise positive behaviours, and feel more confident when these situations arise.
We encourage families to read these stories together and revisit them often. Consistent messages between home and the learning environment help children develop the confidence, resilience, and independence they need to thrive.
Together, we can support every child in becoming more confident, capable, and emotionally aware, one social story at a time.
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