When Things Don't Go My Way

When to use this story

This social story is especially useful when children encounter situations where things don’t go as they expect, such as canceled plans or unexpected changes. It can be utilized in various contexts, including at home, in preschool settings, or during playdates. By reading this story, children will better understand and process their feelings during these moments of disappointment, helping them to navigate everyday challenges with greater ease.

What's inside

This printable social story, "When Things Don't Go My Way," gently guides children through the experience of disappointment. The story begins with a relatable scenario: a child eagerly wanting to play outside, only to be met with rain. It captures the initial feelings of sadness and frustration but also introduces positive coping strategies. As the narrative unfolds, children learn about taking deep breaths and finding alternative activities indoors. The story encourages resilience and emotional regulation in a comforting way, emphasizing that it's okay to feel sad and that there are always alternative paths to joy.

What kids learn

Through this story, children will learn:

• Emotional awareness: Recognizing and naming feelings like sadness when things don’t go as planned.
• Coping strategies: How to take deep breaths and shift focus to other enjoyable activities.
• Resilience: Understanding that disappointment is a natural part of life and can lead to new, fulfilling experiences.
• Problem-solving: Finding alternative ways to have fun, even when faced with unexpected changes.

Research context

The use of social stories in supporting children's emotional and social understanding has been well-established. Originating from the work of Carol Gray, social stories provide a narrative format that helps children make sense of their experiences and emotions. The tradition of social stories aligns well with the principles of narrative-based social-emotional learning (SEL), which emphasizes the importance of storytelling in developing essential life skills. By sharing relatable scenarios, children can learn to navigate their feelings and interactions more effectively.

Tips for parents and educators

• Read the story together and encourage your child to share their own experiences of disappointment.
• Discuss the feelings presented in the story and relate them to real-life situations.
• Use role-play to practice coping strategies mentioned in the narrative, such as deep breathing or finding fun activities indoors.
• Reinforce the message that it's okay to feel sad and that it's a part of life.
• Create a "fun indoors" list with your child, including activities they enjoy doing when plans change.
• Use the vocabulary and comprehension activities included in the printable to reinforce learning in an engaging way.