How to make room for big feelings during storytime

Big Feelings

KCM-AKIRA

Start with the character

A story offers a little distance. Instead of asking a child to explain their own difficult day, begin with something visible: a face in an illustration, a pause in the action, or a choice the character makes. “What do you notice?” leaves room for the child’s interpretation. If their answer differs from yours, you can stay curious rather than correcting it.

Offer choices, including silence

Some readers want to talk; others point, draw or listen. Offer two simple possibilities, such as “Would you like to tell me or draw it?” and make passing a real option. A reading session does not need to become a lesson about the child. Returning to the same picture another day can be enough.

Ask about support, not a perfect ending

Try “Who could help this character?” or “What might make a little space?” You can name a trusted adult, a quieter place or asking for a pause as possibilities, without promising that a book will make a feeling disappear. Close with connection: choose a favourite picture, reread a page, or simply put the book away together.