Guides / Big moments
Books and activities for big moments in a small child's life
Small children understand change through stories, especially stories they are in. That is a big part of why I made the first Colorkin storybook for my own two kids: a story they are in is one they want to hear again.
These guides cover the big transitions of early childhood. Each one pulls together what child development sources actually recommend, books worth reading together, and simple activities, including how a story starring your own child can help them rehearse what is coming.
Starting daycare: easing drop-off for you and your child
How to start daycare with less crying: visits and practice runs, a goodbye ritual, what to tell the teacher, books about saying goodbye and when to worry.
Social stories for toddlers: what they are and how to make one
A social story is a short, personal book that walks a child through a new situation before it happens. What the research says and a template for toddlers.
Potty training books for toddlers that actually help
The best potty training books for toddlers and 2 year olds, what the AAP says about readiness and praise, and how a story starring your child can help.
New baby books for siblings, and how to make your own
Picture books that help a toddler or preschooler get ready for a new baby, what pediatricians suggest alongside them and how to make a book starring your child.
Moving book for kids: picture books and a move story of their own
The best picture books about moving house for toddlers and preschoolers, what child development experts suggest and how to make a book about your own move.
How to prepare your child for the first day of preschool
A countdown for the first day of preschool: what to do a month, two weeks and the night before, how to say goodbye, and what to expect in the first weeks.
How to prepare a toddler for a new baby: a timeline
When to tell a toddler about the new baby, what to do in the last month, at the hospital and in the first weeks home, and what normal jealousy looks like.
Hospital stay activities for kids, and what to pack
Quiet hospital stay activities for kids, a packing list from home, books about going to the hospital, and how to prepare a young child for surgery.
Foster care books for kids, and comfort for the first days
Picture books for young children in foster care, plus comfort items, a welcome book and family-time tips for foster and kinship caregivers, from AAP guidance.
First dentist visit for a toddler: when to go and how to prepare
When to book a toddler's first dentist visit, what happens there, and how to prepare a nervous child with play, a short story and a calm routine.
First day of preschool books, and a story of their own
The best first day of preschool books for nervous 2 to 4 year olds, how to handle goodbyes, and how to make a preschool book starring your child.
First day of kindergarten: how to make it special
Simple ways to make the first day of kindergarten special, from the week before to pickup, plus kindergarten picture books and a yearly first-day tradition.
Explaining a grandparent's death to a toddler or preschooler
What to say when a grandparent dies, how toddlers and preschoolers understand death, preparing them for a funeral, gentle picture books and ways to remember.
Deployment books for kids, and ways to stay close
Picture books for toddlers and young kids with a parent deployed, what the AAP and Military OneSource advise, and simple ways to keep the parent close.
Books for kids with two homes after divorce or separation
Picture books for young kids with two homes after divorce or separation, what the AAP says to tell them, and how a story about their own two homes can help.
Books about losing a pet for kids, and how to talk about it
Gentle picture books about the death of a pet for toddlers and preschoolers, what pediatric and veterinary sources advise saying and ways to remember a pet.
Adoption books for kids, and telling their own story
Adoption picture books for young kids, the words child welfare and pediatric sources recommend, and how a lifebook or homemade story can tell their own story.
Other guides: Personalized coloring books · Gift ideas · Classrooms and groups · Family and heritage · Make your own · Coloring and development