Overcoming Real-Life Challenges: Children’s Books on Separation Anxiety, Siblings, and More
- Katie Pye
- May 5
- 3 min read
When my son had his first days at school, I remember sitting on the tuk tuk blowing him a kiss. He caught it, unzipped his backpack, and tucked it inside like treasure. Then he blew one back—and I did the same.
Moments like that stay with you—heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Because being a parent is full of emotion. And there’s no roadmap, no rulebook, just this tiny person you love more than anything, heading into a world that doesn’t come with instructions.
One day it’s tears about going to school. The next, a giant barney over who sits in the front seat. Then big things happen in the world, and your child’s scared to sleep. These are big feelings for little people—and no one handed us a manual. That’s why I’m such a fan of children’s books with a message—because sometimes, the best way to handle challenges for kids is through a simple story.
Connection First, Always
If there’s one thing I’d do differently in my parenting, it’s this: I’d focus less on managing behaviour and more on including connection in every moment—especially the hard ones. Even as a mama who has been truly devoted to her kids, I can still find plenty of these moments I’d rewrite. When kids are struggling, the best tool we have is being their safe place. Not perfect. Just present, open, and willing.
So how do we actually do that in real life?
Here are three small, powerful tools I’ve found help:
Name the feeling. It’s incredible what changes when a child hears, “I wonder if you’re feeling worried about that,” instead of, “You’ll be fine!”
Stay curious, not corrective. Try, “What were you hoping would happen?” rather than “That’s not how we behave.”
Tell a story. Yep—story time. Not just for fun, but for connection and learning.
Why Stories Work
Whether you’re looking for children’s books about separation anxiety, sibling conflict, or everyday worries, stories can unlock conversations. Reading together is often a time when no one’s crying, arguing, or asking for snacks. There’s physical closeness, a sense of exhale, and hearts can be a little more open.
It’s our chance to gently help our kids explore big feelings.
Take separation anxiety, for example. It could be about new environments, a change in family dynamics, or just a highly sensitive temperament. Try a cuddle, then grab a book like Breaking News, which helps kids navigate change. The chat afterward is gold. Write a “memory motto” together or sneak a sticky note into their bag with an “I love you”—if a kiss-in-the-bag feels too forced!
Sibling rivalry more your thing right now? Kids don’t often want to hear about kindness in the heat of battle. But snuggled up on the couch reading Sibling Wars, they might just let their guard down.
One reviewer shared that her five-year-old leaned over and hugged her three-year-old in the middle of the story. (That’s the dream, right?) Wrap it up with a conversation—like the questions in the back—or make “relationship rules” together as a family.
Whatever the challenge—whether it’s anxiety, emotional regulation, worry, or sibling drama—story time creates a space to open up, reflect, and practice essential life tools like:
Self-awareness: What am I thinking or feeling right now?
Fair expectations: What was I hoping would happen?
Reframing: Is there another way to look at this? (That last one is a superpower, by the way.)
So tap into the power of stories.
They’re simple, fun, and surprisingly effective. Fairytale Fraud was designed for this—to help you chat about issues. And to reinforce that parenting isn’t about getting it all right - It’s about staying close enough to try again.
💛 And next time you’re blown a kiss—remember to pop it in your bag. You’re less likely to lose it.
Wishing you lots of snuggles and kisses this week.
Cheering you on,
Katie xx
🎈 Storytime Tip
Halfway through the story, ask: “Which character are you most like today?” This helps kids build empathy and talk about their own feelings—without the pressure of it being about them.
⭐ Try This Tool Create a “worry pocket” together—just a small envelope they can keep in their bag. When a worry pops up, they write it down and store it away. This is a great add-on to any children’s worry book you’re reading together. Bonus points for creating one for their kisses too!
