Not getting what you want

Not getting what you want

Author: Dr. Genevieve D'Cruz February 4, 2026 Duration: 9:03

We don’t always get what we want, and that can be really hard. In this story, Javi learns that when he doesn’t get what he wants, he can try to do something that makes him feel better, or just let himself be sad for a little bit. 

Grown-ups, try this out with your own littles! Did it work? Did you run into a challenge? 

Connect with us at realstoriesrealchildren@gmail.com or on IG at @Realstoriesrealchildren. 

Tips for caregivers: 

  • Don’t feel that you need to rush to make your child feel better immediately. Part of growing up and being in touch with your feelings is sitting in disappointment sometimes - this is where you can empathize with them!
  • In a moment when your child isn’t upset, you can talk about how they feel when they don’t get what they want and maybe even think about some things that they can do to make them feel better. Maybe a special song or a handshake, or maybe they just practice letting themselves have sad feelings. A neutral moment is a great time to practice these things because then they can think about it without having the emotions in the heat of the moment.

There's a certain magic in hearing a story that feels just like your own day. Real Stories for Real Children captures that feeling, creating a quiet space for the youngest listeners, from toddlers to preschoolers. Every episode is built around the small but significant moments that fill a child's world-the frustration of waiting for a turn, the jumble of emotions when a new sibling arrives, or the challenge of trying something unfamiliar. These aren't fantastical tales, but gentle, relatable narratives that help kids navigate their own experiences. What you'll hear in this podcast are simple, short stories voiced with care, designed to model how characters work through common social scenarios. The focus is always on realism and emotional recognition, providing a comforting audio companion for quiet time or daily routines. Furthermore, each episode includes thoughtful notes for parents and caregivers, offering practical ways to extend the story's lesson and adapt the conversation to a child's unique temperament. It’s a resource that speaks directly to a child’s perspective while supporting the adults who guide them, making it a genuine tool for connection and growth within the family.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 11

Real Stories for Real Children
Podcast Episodes
Tips for Caregivers: When a friend has a toy you want [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:31
This is an episode for adults that includes different tips and ways to practice "interrupting politely" at home with your child (it's a companion to the Interrupting Politely children's story). Enjoy! Did you try this wi…
When a friend has a toy you want [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:57
Sometimes, a friend has a toy that you want, but you can't take it out of their hand! In this story, Javi and his friend Oscar learn that if someone has something they want, they can either wait or choose something else.…
Teeth are for eating! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:51
Sometimes, toddlers forget that teeth are for eating (not biting)! In this story, Javi learns that teeth are for eating, and that he can use words if he wants somethingGrown-ups, try this at home! Did you try this with y…
Interrupting Politely [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:48
Sometimes, you want to get an adult's attention and tell them something, but they are already having a conversation! In this story, Javi learns how to interrupt politely or let someone know that he wants to tell them som…
Tips for Caregivers: Interrupting Politely [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:38
This is a bonus episode for adults that includes different tips and ways to practice "interrupting politely" at home with your child (it's a companion to the Interrupting Politely children's story). Enjoy! Did you try th…
Using a Kind Voice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:40
Sometimes, when you really want something, it's easy to forget to use a kind voice. In this story, Javi learns and practices how to use a kind voice. Grown-ups, try this at home! Did you try this with your child? How'd i…
Acknowledging Someone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:50
When someone tells you something, it's kind to acknowledge them. In this story, Javi learns that he can say "okay" or give a thumbs up if someone tells him something, and he wants to let them know that he heard them. Got…
I Need Space [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:03
Sometimes, someone is too close to your body and you just need some space. In this story, Javi learns how to say "I need space." Grown-ups, try this out at home! Got questions or comments? Send them to realstoriesrealchi…
When you don't know what you want [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:08
Sometimes, everything feels like too much and you don't know what you want. In this story, Oscar learns how to take a breath when he doesn't know what he wants. Grown-ups: try practicing this at home with your own little…
Attention, Please! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:48
Sometimes, especially when you have a new sibling, it can be hard to get adult attention! In this story, 2-year-old Javi learns what he can say to get grown-up attention safely. Grown-ups: try practicing this at home wit…