We Got This! Storybook
Show children some simple ways to feel safer and more secure.
Read the story together. Children can participate by tapping the screen to turn the “pages.” Pause on any screen in which children seem particularly interested or have questions, and use the opportunity to discuss what’s happening. Consider these additional tips:
- Ask questions that allow children to talk about their own experience, such as “How do you help yourself feel a little better when you’re worried?” “Who are some people who have helped your family, like Sofia helped Lily’s family and Big Bird helped Mama and Baby Bird?”
- Demonstrate the strategy of breathing and stretching together, and have children do it along with you.
- When Baby Bird is worried that not having a nest is his fault, ask, “What would you tell Baby Bird?” You might remind your child that it’s never his or her fault, that this is a grown-up problem.
- When Baby Bird remembers his morning stretch, ask your child what you can both do to take care of yourselves. Maybe it’s stretching, breathing deep, or eating together.
- When Lily tells the story of her mom giving her the ribbons, try to think together of similar things that will help in comforting children, and, if possible, give your child that thing (a family picture for her pocket, a string bracelet, a piece of your or a loved one’s clothing, or even a small picture you draw for him).
- Ask your child, “How are we like Mama Bird and Baby Bird?” (We’re brave, we have each other, we keep trying to make things better, we ask for help, and so on.)
Hooray for Hands
Hands remind us of the power of helping, sharing, and caring.
Talk About It: For Children Experiencing Homelessness
Honest, age-appropriate ways to respond to children’s difficult questions.
Ideas Into Action: Sharing Comfort Strategies with Children
You can show children how others use strategies for self-soothing.
Provider Workshop: Healthy Goodbyes
In the face of these challenges, you can model healthy goodbyes.
Promoting Healing Through Play in Shelters part 2
It’s not just the things you put into an environment that are important—a play space is made even more effective when adults interact with children in positive ways.
Ideas Into Action: Grown-Ups Come Back
A bag of ribbons can go a long way!
Provider Workshop: Healthy Goodbyes Resources part 2
In the face of these challenges, you can model healthy goodbyes.
