Real Stories for Real Children Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:05:11 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2566559 en-us © 2026 Real Stories for Real Children yes 328ba0d3-cca7-5f31-a798-46e7e41f3a75 realstoriesrealchildren@gmail.com Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz episodic false  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. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Kids, social stories, true, real, toddlers, preschool, parenting Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz realstoriesrealchildren@gmail.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/objlqbo7orngy323cwht9d7ynmkg?.jpg Real Stories for Real Children Genevieve D’Cruz Tips for Caregivers: Being Gentle with a Toy Tips for Caregivers: Being Gentle with a Toy This is an episode for adults that includes tips for helping your child play gently with toys, or offering options to play rough (it's a companion to the Being Gentle with a Toy 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! 

]]> This is an episode for adults that includes tips for helping your child play gently with toys, or offering options to play rough (it's a companion to the Being Gentle with a Toy 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! 

]]> Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz Buzzsprout-18946769 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400 93 1 12 bonus false Being Gentle with a Toy Being Gentle with a Toy Sometimes, you want to play rough, but if you play rough with a toy, it can break. In this story, Javi learns that if he plays rough with a toy, it can break, but that there are other ways to play rough. 

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! 

Stay tuned for a bonus episode with tips for caregivers! 

]]> Sometimes, you want to play rough, but if you play rough with a toy, it can break. In this story, Javi learns that if he plays rough with a toy, it can break, but that there are other ways to play rough. 

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! 

Stay tuned for a bonus episode with tips for caregivers! 

]]> Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz Buzzsprout-18946760 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400 389 1 12 full false Tips for Caregivers: How to Wait Tips for Caregivers: How to Wait This is an episode for adults that includes information on why we practice "how to wait" at home with your child (it's a companion to the How to Wait 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! 

]]> This is an episode for adults that includes information on why we practice "how to wait" at home with your child (it's a companion to the How to Wait 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! 

]]> Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz Buzzsprout-18907013 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400 98 1 11 bonus false How to Wait How to Wait Sometimes, you have to wait for something you really want, and that can be hard to do. In this story, Javi learns how to wait, by either singing a song or watching what's happening around him. What do you do when you wait? 

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! 

Stay tuned for a bonus episode with tips for caregivers! 

]]> Sometimes, you have to wait for something you really want, and that can be hard to do. In this story, Javi learns how to wait, by either singing a song or watching what's happening around him. What do you do when you wait? 

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! 

Stay tuned for a bonus episode with tips for caregivers! 

]]> Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz Buzzsprout-18906971 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0400 545 1 11 full false Going to School after a Long Break Going to School after a Long Break Sometimes, you haven't been to school in a long time, maybe because you were on a trip, or because school was closed. It can be hard to go back to school after a long break. In this story, Javi is away from school for a long time and then has to go back. He practices remembering what he likes to do at school to make him feel better. 

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:

  • If it's been an extended break, such as a summer break, or if your child is going to a new school, it can be helpful to do a "practice run" and go through the motions of your morning routine and going to school so that the first day doing it is a little smoother for you and your child. 
  • Having and practicing a solid goodbye routine (like a hug and a wave) that you do every time can be helpful with drop-off. 
  • Sometimes the first couple of days back go smoothly, and days 3 or 4 are challenging - this is normal, as your child may be processing that they'll be going back to school each day from now on. 
  • Your child might cry at pick-up instead of/in addition to drop-off in the morning. This form of emotional release is also normal! 
]]> Sometimes, you haven't been to school in a long time, maybe because you were on a trip, or because school was closed. It can be hard to go back to school after a long break. In this story, Javi is away from school for a long time and then has to go back. He practices remembering what he likes to do at school to make him feel better. 

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:

  • If it's been an extended break, such as a summer break, or if your child is going to a new school, it can be helpful to do a "practice run" and go through the motions of your morning routine and going to school so that the first day doing it is a little smoother for you and your child. 
  • Having and practicing a solid goodbye routine (like a hug and a wave) that you do every time can be helpful with drop-off. 
  • Sometimes the first couple of days back go smoothly, and days 3 or 4 are challenging - this is normal, as your child may be processing that they'll be going back to school each day from now on. 
  • Your child might cry at pick-up instead of/in addition to drop-off in the morning. This form of emotional release is also normal! 
]]> Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz Buzzsprout-18874728 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0400 751 1 10 full false Tips for Caregivers: When a friend has a toy you want Tips for Caregivers: When a friend has a toy you want This is an 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! 

]]> This is an 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! 

]]> Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz Buzzsprout-18796170 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0400 151 1 9 bonus false When a friend has a toy you want When a friend has a toy you want Sometimes, a friend has a toy that you want, but you can't take it out of their hand! In this story, Javi and his friend Oscar learn that if someone has something they want, they can either wait or choose something else. 

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! 

Stay tuned for a Tips for Caregivers episode coming soon! 

]]> Sometimes, a friend has a toy that you want, but you can't take it out of their hand! In this story, Javi and his friend Oscar learn that if someone has something they want, they can either wait or choose something else. 

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! 

Stay tuned for a Tips for Caregivers episode coming soon! 

]]> Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz Buzzsprout-18796157 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0500 417 1 9 full false Teeth are for eating! Teeth are for eating! Sometimes, toddlers forget that teeth are for eating (not biting)! In this story, Javi learns that teeth are for eating, and that he can use words if he wants 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:

  • Often, children bite because they don't have the language (or enough practice with language) to say what they want/need. Work on short phrases with your child to help them know what they can say ("stop," "please," "no," etc.). 
  • If your child is still learning how to talk, you can teach them sign language or another physical movement to indicate if they want (or do not want) something. 
  • If you're working on not biting and substituting words or signing, be sure to be extremely responsive the first few times your child uses words/signs so that they understand that words/signs can help them communicate. Sometimes children bite if they've tried another form of communication that hasn't worked. 
]]> Sometimes, toddlers forget that teeth are for eating (not biting)! In this story, Javi learns that teeth are for eating, and that he can use words if he wants 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:

  • Often, children bite because they don't have the language (or enough practice with language) to say what they want/need. Work on short phrases with your child to help them know what they can say ("stop," "please," "no," etc.). 
  • If your child is still learning how to talk, you can teach them sign language or another physical movement to indicate if they want (or do not want) something. 
  • If you're working on not biting and substituting words or signing, be sure to be extremely responsive the first few times your child uses words/signs so that they understand that words/signs can help them communicate. Sometimes children bite if they've tried another form of communication that hasn't worked. 
]]> Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz Buzzsprout-18748046 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 471 1 8 full false Tips for Caregivers: Interrupting Politely 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! 

]]> 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! 

]]> Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz Buzzsprout-18706711 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 158 bonus false Interrupting Politely 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! 
]]> 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! 
]]> Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz Buzzsprout-18706698 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 408 1 7 full false Using a Kind Voice 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. 
]]> 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. 
]]> Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz Buzzsprout-18667082 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 400 1 6 full false Not getting what you want 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.
]]> 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.
]]> Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz Buzzsprout-18625671 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0500 543 1 5 full false Acknowledging Someone 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. 
]]> 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. 
]]> Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz Buzzsprout-18592040 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0500 350 1 4 full false I Need Space 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 signal
  • Sometimes 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. 
]]> 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 signal
  • Sometimes 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. 
]]> Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz Buzzsprout-18580427 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0500 363 1 3 full false When you don't know what you want 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! 
]]> 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! 
]]> Genevieve D'Cruz Buzzsprout-18554053 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500 428 1 2 full true Attention, Please! 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. 
]]> 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. 
]]> Genevieve D'Cruz Buzzsprout-18515242 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0500 468 1 1 full false