Stories have an incredible ability to connect us and help us make sense of the world. For children—especially those who are neurodiverse or face complex health challenges—stories can serve as a safe space where emotions are explored, healing begins, and deeper connections are formed.
In a recent conversation with Andrew Newman, the author and founder of Conscious Stories, we discussed how his collection of children’s books was designed with this purpose in mind. Each story is more than just a tale for bedtime—it’s an opportunity to build meaningful parent-child bonds, particularly during the last 20 minutes of the day, when connection is most needed.
The Power of Storytelling in Childhood Development
Stories play a crucial role in helping children understand their emotions and their place in the world. For children with neurodiversity or complex health needs, these stories become even more important, as they may not always see themselves reflected in the world around them. Andrew’s stories offer a framework for children to feel seen and understood, creating a sense of belonging and validation.
Andrew’s background in developmental psychology and healing deeply informs his work. He recognizes that emotional challenges in adulthood often trace back to unresolved childhood experiences. His Conscious Stories collection seeks to provide children with tools to navigate their emotions and process their experiences in a healthy, constructive way.
Fostering Parent-Child Connection
What makes Conscious Stories unique is its focus on building connection. Each book begins with a “snuggle breathing” meditation, a simple practice designed to help both parent and child slow down and be present with one another. This ritual of shared breathing allows for a calming transition into the story, creating an atmosphere where children feel safe and open to engage.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of true presence can be challenging for parents. But as Andrew explained, these last moments of the day are critical for helping children feel emotionally secure and ready to rest. This connection is especially vital for children who may communicate in non-traditional ways or face complex emotional landscapes.
Supporting Emotional Growth Through Stories
Conscious Stories also teaches children about emotional regulation and resilience. Through engaging characters and scenarios, Andrew introduces concepts like fear, love, and self-doubt in ways that children can grasp and relate to. This helps them name and understand their feelings, which is a key step in developing emotional intelligence.
For parents, reading these stories provides an opportunity to reflect on their own emotional responses and deepen their empathy toward their child’s experiences. Storytelling becomes not only a tool for children’s growth but also a space for parents and children to grow together.
Creating a Healing Environment
For families of children with complex health needs, emotional healing is just as important as physical care. During difficult times, storytelling can provide a sense of normalcy and connection. In our conversation, I shared how Conscious Stories became a lifeline during my own daughter’s frequent PICU admissions. These books helped her understand her emotions and allowed me to reflect back her strengths, fostering an environment of emotional healing even in challenging medical circumstances.
This collection is designed with healing in mind—not just physical healing, but healing of the heart, mind, and spirit. By offering children a way to explore their feelings and experience connection, Conscious Stories creates an environment where healing becomes possible on multiple levels.
The Thoughtful Design Behind Conscious Stories
What truly sets this collection apart is the intentional design behind each book. Andrew brings a trauma-informed approach to his work, ensuring that the stories provide a safe space for children to explore their emotions. The stories are crafted to help children transition into restful sleep, offering reassurance and comfort at the end of each day.
Andrew’s TEDx talk, Why the Last 20 Minutes of the Day Matter, beautifully explains how the final moments before sleep play a significant role in shaping a child’s emotional regulation and confidence. These moments of connection, through storytelling and presence, can leave a lasting impact on how a child processes their experiences and regulates their emotions.
Conclusion
Storytelling is a powerful tool for connection, healing, and emotional growth. Andrew Newman’s Conscious Stories collection demonstrates how intentional storytelling can create safe spaces for children to explore their emotions and build lasting connections with their parents. These stories offer a way to deepen relationships and foster emotional resilience, especially for children navigating neurodiversity or complex health needs.
For any parent seeking to create a healing and learning environment, Conscious Stories offers the tools to make bedtime not just a routine, but a moment of transformation and connection that lasts far beyond the story.
To listen to the full interview with Andrew Newman, please visit: https://christinelabbe.com/podcast/ and select one of the many platforms where our podcast is featured. Or watch it on YouTube.