The Once Upon Us blog

Help for the little hard parts.

Hitting, sharing, big feelings, bedtime, the potty, a new baby. What to say in the moment, what the research says, and a short illustrated story you can borrow tonight.

Gentle hands Gentle hands: how to stop a toddler from hitting Why toddlers hit, what to say in the moment, and how to practice gentle hands when everyone is calm and at bedtime. Scripts for ages 2 to 4, with sources. 10 min read
New baby A new baby story for toddlers: there's still room for you Read a gentle new baby story for toddlers, then make a version about your family with an eight-page outline, familiar details, and room for mixed feelings. 8 min read
AI stories AI bedtime story prompts: six little adventures to make your own Copy six AI bedtime story prompts for sharing, siblings, bravery, counting, and little days. See a narrated book, then adapt the words for your own child. 9 min read
Family stories How to make a storybook from family photos Make a storybook from family photos with a six-picture recipe and sample captions. Explore illustrated photo books for invited families and a free sample. 8 min read
Bedtime routine A toddler bedtime routine that actually ends in sleep A toddler bedtime routine for ages 2 to 4: which steps, in what order, how long it takes, what to say when they stall, and why the book goes last. 11 min read
AI stories AI bedtime stories and personalized books: what to check first Before you upload your child's photo to an AI bedtime story app or a personalized book, check where the photos go, who sees them, and how it reads at bedtime. 11 min read
Kind to your sibling Big sister and big brother books for toddlers expecting a new baby Eleven big sister and big brother books for 2- to 4-year-olds, sorted by when to read them, plus how to prepare a toddler for the baby and what to expect after. 10 min read
Sharing How to teach a toddler to share (start with taking turns) Sharing skills usually arrive around 3½ to 4. What to expect at 2, what to say during toy fights, how turns and timers help, and books about sharing. 10 min read
Being brave How to write a social story for your toddler (with an example) What a social story is, how to write one for a 2- to 4-year-old in six steps, the sentence types that matter, and a full example about the dentist. 7 min read
Trying new foods Picky eater books and a no-pressure plan for toddlers Ten picture books about trying new foods, plus what helps a picky toddler: tiny repeated tastes, no pressure, one safe food, and when to call the doctor. 8 min read
Potty time The best potty training books for toddlers, and how to use them Eleven potty training books toddlers ask for again and again, sorted by what each one is good for, plus when to start reading them and how to avoid pressure. 9 min read
Bedtime routine Three short bedtime stories for 2- and 3-year-olds Read three free short bedtime stories for 2- and 3-year-olds, or play The Night Train as a complete illustrated, narrated book. No account needed. 10 min read
Using words for big feelings Toddler big feelings: tantrums, and teaching words for them Tantrums are most common between 1 and 3. How to stay steady, name the feeling, hold the limit, and build your toddler's feelings words with books and stories. 8 min read

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