We always want to prepare our kids to feel safe and secure. And for little ones, that sense of security often comes from something simple: knowing who’s around them.

Family visits are usually joyful and fun, but they can also be awkward or even overwhelming for young kids. Especially if your child hasn’t seen Great Grandma in months or doesn’t quite remember Uncle Joe or the cousins who live three states away.

That’s where a Familiar Faces social story narrative comes in. It’s a gentle, picture-based story you can read together before the visit, so your child knows exactly who’s coming, what to expect, and how everyone is connected. Who is Uncle Boo? Who is Aunt Jackie? Now they know.

Here’s why it works so well:

• It introduces faces before they walk through the door. Your child gets to see real photos of each family member, along with names and simple descriptions: “This is Aunt Sallly!”
• It helps them feel emotionally ready. When they understand who’s visiting and how they’re related, it eases that awkward “Why is this stranger hugging me?” moment.
• It makes the visit feel more predictable. You can include things like, “Cousin Lily is sleeping over one night,” or “Grandpa might read bedtime stories.” You can even go back to the story during the visit and point out each person.
• It builds connections ahead of time. Instead of feeling unsure, your child walks in thinking, “I remember them from my story!”

These visits can become beautiful memory-makers. But for young kids, preparing their hearts and minds ahead of time makes all the difference.

A custom Familiar Faces social story narrative helps your child feel grounded, safe, and seen before the front door ever opens.

Because when your child feels settled, everyone enjoys the visit a little more.

Talk soon,
Lucy