Social Stories for Everyday Challenges
Kids encounter all kinds of social situations every day. Some pick up on social cues naturally, while others need extra support. That’s where social stories come in.
What Are Social Stories?
Social stories are short, simple narratives that help kids understand and navigate social situations. Created by Carol Gray in the early 1990s, they explain expectations, emotions, and appropriate responses in a way that’s easy to grasp. Often, they include pictures to reinforce the message.
How Social Stories Work
A good social story breaks down a situation into clear, predictable steps. It might explain what happens, how others might feel, and what the child can do.
For example, a story about taking turns could say:
"Sometimes my friends and I want to use the same toy. I might feel frustrated or upset if I have to wait. My friend might also feel sad if I don’t share. It’s okay to feel this way. I can take deep breaths and say, ‘Can I have a turn when you’re done?’ and wait patiently. Taking turns helps everyone have fun.”
Why They Help
Social stories make things clearer and less stressful. They help kids feel prepared, encourage empathy, and reinforce positive behavior. They’re especially useful for transitions, daily routines, making friends, and handling emotions.
Creating Your Own Social Stories
To make a story effective:
Identify a specific situation your child finds challenging.
Keep the language simple and focus on what they can do.
Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them.
Use real-life pictures or illustrations if possible.
Read it together and practice the behavior in real life.
Repeat the story as needed to reinforce learning.
You can create social stories in any format that works for your child. Draw them by hand, use a website to design them, or make a simple PowerPoint or Word document with pictures from Google. For an easy to use website with free templates, try Storyboard That.
At TRAIN, we’re here to support kids’ social growth. Need help creating a personalized social story? We’d love to help! Book a free 30 minute consultation to learn more about our parent coaching services, individual child therapy, or social skills groups.
