Using stories to discuss emotions and identity in your kinship family

Reading with the children in your care can help create joyful moments and happy memories. It can also help you explore topics like identity and coping with difficult emotions. In this guide, you'll learn how you can use stories to start these discussions. Plus, find out how to win a personalised book featuring your own family at the bottom of the page.

This advice applies to: England

Tips for sharing stories about emotions and identity

Offering your child choices when getting ready to share a story can be a great way to get started.

Annemarie gives the example of “where are you going to sit?” You and your child can then start to feel ready to spend time together, sharing and talking about a story.

While reading, you can ask questions about the book.

Annemarie uses the example of “I wonder how Kwesi feels at the moment. What do you think?” These questions can spark conversations about the character’s emotions or experiences.

Sometimes, a character’s experiences may be like yours or your child’s experiences. Seeing similar experiences in a story can help a child understand their own situation.

You can say these similarities out loud and your child might want to do the same. For example, you might live with your grandson like Gran and your child might live with a grandparent like Kwesi.

Your child might want to return to specific pages or walk around the room while listening.

Annemarie says that she likes to get comfortable before reading a story, knowing that some children might prefer to walk around or play with a toy during a story.


More story videos

Enjoy 2 more videos with stories and activities to share with your child below. Watch and draw along with George Webster (Why Not?), Adam Stower (Murray and Bun) and Sue Hendra (Supertato) in these 2 videos.

All your child needs in order to take part is a pen and some paper.