Social Stories by Be Happy Resources - Saying Goodbye - Explore and Ease Separation Anxiety

Saying Goodbye is a printable, illustrated social story written in simple, reassuring language that young children can easily relate to. Through an uplifting narrative, it walks children through the process of saying goodbye, acknowledging common feelings like nervousness or sadness, and introducing comforting techniques like deep breathing, positive self-talk, and creating special goodbye rituals.

The story provides a safe and predictable structure for children to explore their emotions, helping them build confidence and resilience when facing everyday separations.

Features

• A printable social story designed for young children

• Focuses on separation anxiety and emotional reassurance

• Introduces coping strategies such as breathing and comfort rituals

• Encourages emotional expression and conversation

• Written in gentle, child-friendly language with a feel-good ending

• Can be revisited as part of a daily or weekly routine

• Ideal for use at home, in classrooms, nurseries, or therapeutic settings

Benefits

• Normalises feelings of nervousness, sadness, or worry during separation
• Builds emotional resilience by providing a script and tools to cope
• Encourages bonding and communication between child and caregiver
• Develops routine and predictability around goodbyes
• Teaches calming techniques in a relatable and fun way
• Supports social-emotional development in early childhood

How to Use This Story

• Read the Story Together
  Start by reading the social story aloud with your child. Go slowly, pausing to discuss how the character is feeling. Ask your child to relate to the story by sharing their own experiences with saying goodbye.
• Discuss the Feelings
  After reading, talk about emotions like nervousness or sadness. Ask open-ended questions like, “Have you ever felt that way?” or “What helps you when you’re sad to say goodbye?”
• Use the Story Before Separation
  Read the story before school, nursery, or playdates as a preparation tool. Repetition helps children feel more comfortable and confident about what to expect.
• Make Saying Goodbye Fun
  Try adding a secret handshake, special goodbye phrase, or happy dance as part of your goodbye routine. It creates something positive to look forward to and makes parting feel lighter.
• Reinforce Comforting Strategies
  Practise the coping skills in the story—like deep breathing or hugging a comfort toy—in calm moments so they become easy to access during stress.
• Create a Routine
  Incorporate the story into your daily goodbye routine, reminding your child, “Remember what we read in your goodbye story?” This helps build trust and emotional safety.
• Be Patient and Encouraging
  Separation anxiety can take time to ease. Celebrate small wins and offer gentle reminders that it’s okay to feel upset—and that they have the tools to cope.

Saying Goodbye is a warm, reassuring social story that helps children understand, accept, and manage their feelings when it’s time to say goodbye. With practical strategies, a positive narrative, and comforting structure, this resource is a valuable tool for building confidence, easing anxiety, and making everyday separations feel safer and more predictable.

Download now and support your child through goodbyes with calm, connection, and confidence.