Emotions & Self-Regulation

When I Feel Mad, My Hands Can Squeeze

A gentle story about big sensory feelings in the body and using squeezing to help hands stay calm.

Saying Sorry After an Accident

When Sammy bumps into Zee by accident, he turns back, asks if she is okay, raises his hand for the teacher, says sorry, and waits with care. Saying sorry is brave.

Asking For a Turn With My Words

When Sammy wants the block Mara has, he stops, breathes, and asks with calm words and says please.

When Playing Stops, My Toys Wait for Me

A Carol Gray 10.4 compliant social story for ages 1–3 about transitioning away from play. Sammy discovers his toys stay safe on the shelf, breathing helps him feel calm, and playing always comes back after a break.

My Thoughts Can Wait Until Morning

When busy thoughts arrive at bedtime, Sammy discovers that slow breathing gives the brain a break, and a thought box gently holds thoughts safe until morning — with a safe person always close by.

The Doctor Is Here to Help

Sammy visits the doctor with a trusted adult. A warm first-person story for ages 1–3 that validates uncertainty, names the doctor as a helper, and celebrates slow breathing as a comfort skill.

Breaking the Morning Into Steps Helps Me Get to School

A Carol Gray 10.4 compliant social story for Sammy (ages 10–14) about managing the morning routine by using calm breaks, breathing, and a picture plan — supporting the escape behavioral function through sanctioned transition pauses.

Staying Calm at the Doctor's Office

Sammy discovers that slow breaths and a grown-up's help make doctor visits feel calm and safe.

Every Morning Step Leads Me to School

Sammy discovers that morning routines are made of small steps, and that breathing, taking a break, and having an adult nearby helps each step feel manageable on the way to school.

When the Doctor's Office Feels Hard to Face

A Carol Gray 10.4 compliant social story for Sammy about managing the urge to escape medical appointments by using calm strategies, breathing, and asking for help from his team.

My Racing Thoughts Find Their Rest

A Carol Gray 10.4 social story for ages 10-14 about managing racing thoughts at bedtime. Builds on Sammy's existing strength of self-awareness, introduces a worry notebook and slow breathing strategy, and affirms that it is okay if sleep takes time to come.

Before Stop Time, I Get a Warning

A Carol Gray 10.4 social story about transitioning from a preferred activity using a five-minute warning, a timer, and calm breathing — for Sammy, ages 6–9.

The Morning Steps Come Before School

Sammy discovers that every morning has the same steps in the same order, and knowing what comes next helps him feel calm and ready for school.

Asking for a Break Helps Me at the Doctor's Office

Sammy discovers that asking for a break during a doctor visit is a brave way to stay calm and get through the whole appointment.

A Warning Helps My Brain Get Ready to Stop

Sammy learns about hyperfocus and cognitive switching difficulty, and discovers that asking for a five-minute warning helps his brain manage transitions at home and school.

My Brain Takes a Break at Bedtime

Sammy discovers that a busy brain at bedtime is something many children share, and learns that breathing slowly can help his brain take a break so his body can rest.

My Toys Wait for Me After the Break

A Carol Gray 10.4 compliant social story for children aged 3–5 supporting calm transitions from preferred play, using a gentle breath and caregiver co-regulation.

When Plans Change Suddenly

When My Inside Feelings Get Big