Real Stories for Real Children

Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz
  • 5.0 (6)
  • STORIES FOR KIDS

 This gentle children’s podcast brings realistic, age-appropriate stories to life for toddlers and preschoolers ages 1.5–4, inspired by everyday experiences like having a new sibling, big feelings, and having to wait for something you want. Each short social story introduces children to common scenarios and how to respond in them. Episode descriptions also include tips for caregivers that help you tailor your approach to your child based on their needs - whether they be multilingual, non-verbal, or neurodivergent. Created by a former early childhood teacher with a PhD in education, this podcast is a positive way to support emotional growth during car rides or quiet moments together!  Got a topic request? Reach out at realstoriesrealchildren@gmail.com or connect on Instagram at @RealStoriesRealChildren. 

Episodes

  1. 6H AGO · BONUS

    Tips for Caregivers: Interrupting Politely

    This is a bonus episode for adults that includes different tips and ways to practice "interrupting politely" at home with your child (it's a companion to the Interrupting Politely children's story). Enjoy!  Did you try this with your child? How'd it go? Connect with us at realstoriesrealchildren@gmail.com, or on IG at @RealStoriesRealChildren and let us know!

    3 min

  2. 6H AGO

    Interrupting Politely

    Sometimes, you want to get an adult's attention and tell them something, but they are already having a conversation! In this story, Javi learns how to interrupt politely or let someone know that he wants to tell them something.  Grown-ups, try this at home!  Did you try this with your child? How'd it go? Connect with us at realstoriesrealchildren@gmail.com, or on IG at @RealStoriesRealChildren and let us know!  Tips for Caregivers: Check out the special companion episode to this one that includes tips and ways to do this with your own child!

    7 min

  3. FEB 12

    Using a Kind Voice

    Sometimes, when you really want something, it's easy to forget to use a kind voice. In this story, Javi learns and practices how to use a kind voice.  Grown-ups, try this at home!  Did you try this with your child? How'd it go? Connect with us at realstoriesrealchildren@gmail.com, or on IG at @RealStoriesRealChildren and let us know!  Tips for Caregivers: Try practicing this in a neutral moment when your child is calm and regulated. Prioritize your child's needs - sometimes they may be unable to ask for something calmly, especially if they are hungry, thirsty, or tired. Just encourage the use of a kind voice whenever you can.

    7 min

  4. FEB 4

    Not getting what you want

    We don’t always get what we want, and that can be really hard. In this story, Javi learns that when he doesn’t get what he wants, he can try to do something that makes him feel better, or just let himself be sad for a little bit.  Grown-ups, try this out with your own littles! Did it work? Did you run into a challenge?  Connect with us at realstoriesrealchildren@gmail.com or on IG at @Realstoriesrealchildren.  Tips for caregivers:  Don’t feel that you need to rush to make your child feel better immediately. Part of growing up and being in touch with your feelings is sitting in disappointment sometimes - this is where you can empathize with them!In a moment when your child isn’t upset, you can talk about how they feel when they don’t get what they want and maybe even think about some things that they can do to make them feel better. Maybe a special song or a handshake, or maybe they just practice letting themselves have sad feelings. A neutral moment is a great time to practice these things because then they can think about it without having the emotions in the heat of the moment.

    9 min

  5. JAN 29

    Acknowledging Someone

    When someone tells you something, it's kind to acknowledge them. In this story, Javi learns that he can say "okay" or give a thumbs up if someone tells him something, and he wants to let them know that he heard them.  Got questions or comments? Send them to realstoriesrealchildren@gmail.com  IG: @realstoriesrealchildren Tips for Caregivers:  Make sure you model the same thing - if your child tells you something, be sure to pause and acknowledge them (meaningfully) before moving on.

    6 min

  6. JAN 27

    I Need Space

    Sometimes, someone is too close to your body and you just need some space. In this story, Javi learns how to say "I need space."  Grown-ups, try this out at home!  Got questions or comments? Send them to realstoriesrealchildren@gmail.com  IG: @realstoriesrealchildren Tips for Caregivers:  For non-verbal children or children with limited speech, try using a hand signalSometimes physical space isn't enough - some children may benefit from finding a quiet room or less stimulating space. You know your child best, so follow their lead.

    6 min

  7. JAN 22

    When you don't know what you want

    Sometimes, everything feels like too much and you don't know what you want. In this story, Oscar learns how to take a breath when he doesn't know what he wants.  Grown-ups: try practicing this at home with your own littles!  Got questions or comments? Send them to realstoriesrealchildren@gmail.com  IG: @realstoriesrealchildren Tips for Caregivers:  Sometimes children are overwhelmed, and even asking them what they want once they've calmed down can feel like too much. You can read a book near them or play quietly with a toy as a way to continue to help them regulate and calm down. They also may want you to make the choice of what to do until they know what they want, which is also okay!

    7 min
  8. Attention, Please!

    JAN 15

    Attention, Please!

    Sometimes, especially when you have a new sibling, it can be hard to get adult attention! In this story, 2-year-old Javi learns what he can say to get grown-up attention safely.  Grown-ups: try practicing this at home with your own littles!  Got questions or comments? Send them to realstoriesrealchildren@gmail.com  IG: @realstoriesrealchildren Tips for Caregivers:  Some children may use non-verbal ways to get attention, like putting their hand on your shoulder or hip. Follow the lead of your child and their needs. The first few times a child asks for your attention, be sure to stop what you are doing and give them your attention right away. Over time, you can have them wait until you are available. This helps children build trust and confidence in using their words/attention-getting signals.

    8 min
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

 This gentle children’s podcast brings realistic, age-appropriate stories to life for toddlers and preschoolers ages 1.5–4, inspired by everyday experiences like having a new sibling, big feelings, and having to wait for something you want. Each short social story introduces children to common scenarios and how to respond in them. Episode descriptions also include tips for caregivers that help you tailor your approach to your child based on their needs - whether they be multilingual, non-verbal, or neurodivergent. Created by a former early childhood teacher with a PhD in education, this podcast is a positive way to support emotional growth during car rides or quiet moments together!  Got a topic request? Reach out at realstoriesrealchildren@gmail.com or connect on Instagram at @RealStoriesRealChildren. 

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Real Stories for Real Children