Everyday growingGrimple’s Grumbly Day Pack
Spot the feeling under the grumble and practice calm ideas together.
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Free printable pack · New baby
A New Baby in Our Family
A gentle pack to help children feel included, heard and loved as the family grows. Meet Scamper and his baby sister Dot, make room for mixed feelings, and find small ways to stay close.
Email me this packFree · Printable PDF · No book needed
What’s inside
Scamper is getting to know his new baby sister, Dot. A new baby can bring happy moments and big wobbles. These free printables help children understand what will happen, share how they feel and know they still matter.
- A note for grown-ups, and Our family is changing: who will look after me, where my grown-ups will be, and something that stays special for me.
- All my new-baby feelings, and Questions I can ask, such as “Do you still love me?” and “Why does the baby cry?”
- When I need my grown-up picture cards, and Getting to know our baby, where helping is a choice, not a job.
- Still me, still special, with a safe shelf for special things, plus a page for grown-ups about the first weeks.
Children don’t have to love the baby straight away. The pack says clearly that every feeling is allowed, that the baby’s crying is not their fault, and that they are still loved.
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Who this pack is for
This pack is for children aged around 2 to 7 who are expecting a new baby in the family, or have just welcomed one, and for the grown-ups helping them. It works whether the baby joins the family through birth, adoption, fostering or a step-family change. Welcoming twins or more? Just read ‘baby’ as ‘babies’.
How to use it together
- Start before the baby arrives, if you can. Fill in Our family is changing together, so your child knows who will look after them and what will happen.
- Welcome every feeling. Use the feelings faces. Being cross or jealous is allowed. Try: “You wish I could play now. Waiting is hard.”
- Keep helping optional. Let your child choose whether to join in with the baby, always with a grown-up beside them.
- Protect small moments together. A story, a game or a cuddle. Ask visitors to say hello to the older child and notice their interests too.
- Expect a few wobbles. Clinginess or toileting setbacks are common during big changes. Respond patiently, without shame.
Questions grown-ups ask
What age is it for?
The suggested range is ages 2–7, with a grown-up alongside. Younger children can point, color and draw; older children may like to fill in the pages themselves.
Is it really free?
Yes. The 8-page printable pack is free. Joining A Little Letter from Collyvale, our monthly email, is optional and separate.
We’re adopting or fostering. Will it still work?
Yes. The pack is written for every kind of family. The grown-ups’ pages include notes on adoption and fostering, and on explaining your family’s plans honestly.
How do I get it?
Enter your email address in the form above. We’ll email you the download link so you can save the PDF and print the pages you want. Check your junk folder if it hasn’t arrived.
Can I print it more than once?
Yes, you can print extra copies for your own family, for example a feelings page for each older child.
Can I share it or use it at school?
Yes, please print it for your own family, classroom, preschool or group. If you’d like to share it, send people the link to this page rather than the PDF. The packs, stories and characters are © Brendan Martin, Collyvale. Please don’t sell them, or upload them to other websites, including in changed form.
Is this professional advice?
No. Collyvale is a storybook world, not professional advice. Your doctor can help with worries about how your child is adjusting. If you are struggling after the birth, please speak to your doctor.
Who makes Collyvale's packs?
Collyvale is made by Brendan Martin, a father and grandfather who wanted to help families through everyday wobbles. Read more about Collyvale.
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Get this free packCollyvale provides general information, stories and family activities. It is not a medical or mental-health service and does not replace professional advice. If a child's worry is persistent, severe or interfering with everyday life, speak to their school, school nurse or doctor. If you're worried about your own wellbeing, please talk to your doctor. You can also find trusted information at healthychildren.org.