Helping your child through…
New places, new people and new experiences can feel very big when you're small. Choose the situation that fits today. You'll find simple ideas for you, plus a story, poem or activity to share together.
Choose what fits today
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Helpful resources for big firsts and big feelings
Choose what fits today. There is no required order and no need to use everything.
🎒 Starting school
School Worries & Wonders
A gentle illustrated sheet for sharing school questions, wobbles and things that might help.
View & download →My First Day at School
A friendly activity sheet for sharing first-day feelings, questions and thoughts.
View & download →Starting School Checklist
A practical printable checklist for the days and weeks before school begins.
View & download →When the first day feels very big
Ways to listen, make the unknown smaller and gently prepare for the first day.
Read the guide →Helping your child start school
Practical ideas for the weeks before school, the first morning and coming home afterwards.
Read the guide →💜 Worries & big feelings
Share → Calm → Comfort → Choose. Four gentle ways into a difficult feeling — begin wherever feels most useful.
Mr. Pottle's Worry Package
Draw, write or talk about something that feels difficult to carry alone.
View & download →Pebble's Calm-Down Card
Four gentle visual steps to pause, breathe, notice and choose what might help.
View & download →Mrs. Bramble's Five Cozy Things
Five reassuring ideas for finding safety, kindness and a little comfort.
View & download →Grimple's Grumpy Day
Explore angry feelings, calm down, choose a safe response and make things right.
Try the activity →Gentle activities for worried children
Five low-pressure activities for making room for feelings, conversation and calm.
Try the activities →🖍️ Looking for something quiet? Choose from 33 free Collyvale coloring pages →
More topics on the way
We're adding new guides to The Kitchen Table over time. Coming soon:
Free help packs for these moments
Printable activities to try together. All ten packs are free. See them all →
Free help packPoppy’s Potty TrainingGentle practice and small steps for potty learning.Get this free pack →
Free help packBella’s Bedtime WobblesFor bedtime worries, bad dreams and waking in the night.Get this free pack →
Free help packStarting SchoolSimple activities to help the first day feel familiar.Get this free pack →
Free help packBella’s Big Open WideMake dentist visits more familiar and practice asking for a pause.Get this free pack →
Free help packA New Baby in Our FamilyMake room for mixed feelings as your family grows.Get this free pack →
Free help packFriendship WobblesPlaying, sharing, feeling left out and asking for help.Get this free pack →Collyvale 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.