Abby’s Broken Wand
A storybook featuring strategies to help children cope with big feelings.
We’ve all navigated the challenges of living and learning through a pandemic. During the ups and downs of this time, feelings of stress, uncertainty, and anxiety have been high for adults. Like you, children have felt it. This storybook is meant to support them in moving through their big feelings, whether they’re related to the pandemic or other stressful events.
For young children, play is a powerful form of communication. With toys, children play out their concerns and explore possible solutions. By encouraging play, they’re naturally able to release the concerns and feelings, which decreases stress.
When big feelings happen, it’s important for children and adults alike to focus on what we can do—what’s within our control. Routines, play, movement, and gratitude are important activities within a family or classroom to help counterbalance the big feelings.
As you share this storybook with children, remember that grown-ups can’t always prevent stress, but gentle coaching will help children grow happier, healthier, and more resilient!
Ann Thomas, LCSW, Author
President/CEO
The Children’s Place
Where do you feel big feelings?
Use this graphic to start a conversation with your child about big feelings.
How to Manage Big Feelings
We can help children notice, name, and manage their big feelings.
How Big is Your Feeling?
A scale to figure out how big your child’s feelings are.
How to Recognize and Respond to Big Feelings
An article for families to help recognize and respond to your child’s big feelings.
It’s Not Easy Being Green
A song about being ourselves.
Helping Children Make Meaning After Trauma with Chandra Ghosh Ippen
Learn how young children experience trauma and what can help with Sesame Workshop’s Tara Wright, and clinical psychologist and author Chandra Ghosh Ippen.
