How is this different from a taking turns social story?

It works like a taking turns social story or book: one clear situation and one plan your child can follow. The difference is that your child is the main character, with their name and a friend’s name if you add one, and it comes narrated, so you can listen together.

Will my child suddenly be good at waiting?

Probably not after one story, and the story doesn’t pretend otherwise: waiting still feels hard in it. What it gives your child is a plan they can recognize, like counting to twenty or asking “Can I have it next?”, and a calm picture of their turn coming round.

When is a good time to play it?

A calm moment works best, like before a playdate, on the way to the playground or at bedtime, not in the middle of a squabble over the swing. Afterwards, the questions on this page help you chat about which waiting plan your child might like to try.

Taking turns story for kids, starring your child

Create a story

Your child’s name

Friend’s name (optional)

Any extra details to add?

Anything to avoid? (optional)

Optional — leave out monsters, getting lost, separation, loud surprises, or anything they don't want tonight.

The story is written and narrated in :

Narrator voice:

Every everyday challenge story is about 3 minutes long.

Who's listening?

The small step in this story

Your child tries one waiting plan, such as saying “Can I have it next?” or counting slowly while they watch. Some waits still feel hard, and that is okay; practicing the plan is what matters.

Talk about the story together

What was hard about waiting in the story?
What helped the wait feel a little shorter?
Is there a waiting plan you might like to try next time?

Your child can answer, point to a picture, or simply listen. There is no correct answer.

They are designed for everyday conversations and practice. They do not promise that one story will change a habit or make a worry disappear.

When you’re teaching a toddler to take turns

Waiting is hard for young children. The swing is right there, a friend is on it, and “later” feels like forever. Teaching a toddler to take turns works best with a clear, simple plan, such as asking “Can I have it next?” or counting slowly, and lots of calm practice. That is why many parents reach for a taking turns social story or a taking turns book: it shows a child someone just like them waiting, feeling how hard it is, and finding a way through.

Questions parents ask

How is this different from a taking turns social story?: It works like a taking turns social story or book: one clear situation and one plan your child can follow. The difference is that your child is the main character, with their name and a friend’s name if you add one, and it comes narrated, so you can listen together.
Will my child suddenly be good at waiting?: Probably not after one story, and the story doesn’t pretend otherwise: waiting still feels hard in it. What it gives your child is a plan they can recognize, like counting to twenty or asking “Can I have it next?”, and a calm picture of their turn coming round.
When is a good time to play it?: A calm moment works best, like before a playdate, on the way to the playground or at bedtime, not in the middle of a squabble over the swing. Afterwards, the questions on this page help you chat about which waiting plan your child might like to try.

A taking turns story for kids, starring your child

When you’re teaching a toddler to take turns

Questions parents ask