Why This Story Matters
This story reflects the emotional reality of moving into a new foster home. Children may recognise their own feelings, experience emotional reactions, or begin expressing thoughts they couldn’t before. These are opportunities for connection.
Key Symbols and Meanings
Noah – The child navigating change
Weather – A metaphor for emotions
Teddy – Attachment and continuity
Foster Home – Safety and co-regulation
Core Therapeutic Themes
Emotions as weather – changing and temporary
Attachment – comfort through connection
Trauma and transition – normal responses to stress
Using PACE
Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy
Focus on being with the child, not fixing
Trauma-Informed Understanding
Behaviour communicates distress
Children need co-regulation
Confusion is normal under stress
Weather and Feelings Guide
Sunshine – Happiness – Play and connection
Rain – Sadness – Comfort and closeness
Fog – Confusion – Gentle guidance
Storm – Anger – Safe expression
Wind – Anxiety – Grounding
Darkness – Fear – Reassurance
Rainbow – Mixed feelings – Reflection
Creating a Safe Reading Experience
Before: calm space and connection
During: follow the child’s pace
After: reassure and allow space
Supporting Emotional Expression
Name feelings
Normalise emotions
Link feelings to the story
Supporting Conversations
Use gentle prompts like:
What did you notice?
I wonder how he felt?
Key Practice Tips
Pause during emotional moments
Use weather language
Do not rush solutions
Encourage comfort objects
Re-read for familiarity
When Children Don’t Respond
Some children process later. The story still supports them.
Co-Regulation
Stay calm, present, and reassuring
Key Messages
I am safe
My feelings are okay
I am not alone
I can feel many things
Closing Reflection
Feelings are like weather. They change and pass.
Children need someone to sit with them through it.
A Gentle Reminder for You
You don’t need perfect words. Just be present, calm, and open.
Children are resilient. Even in difficult moments, they continue to grow and adapt with the right support.
“I’m right here with you.”
Big Feelings, Little Me* is part of a series of books.