How do I say goodbye when we have to go to work?

This social story about why school and work are important, who will care for me there, and how I can make it go by faster will tell me.

★ Social stories are an informational tool designed to ease anxiety and set expectations about new social situations. They help anxious young and ASD children assume personal responsibility in the world around them. Students can this story a few times in the weeks before school begins for the best results in helping them transition back to school from the summertime. The discussion questions at the end of the story provide an opportunity for verbal response and clarification. Read more about how to use social stories.★

There are many ways to use this story:

 Sensory Storytelling Supports

  • a polaroid camera
  • a zip pouch for pictures
  • a mock dinner table (demonstrate conversation about the day)

A Smile Goodbye

A SOCIAL STORY FOR SEPARATION ANXIETY

I love my Parents.

We have fun at home together.

We can have more fun when we finish our work.

💠

I have to go to school to do my work during the week.

My Parents have to do their work too.

Getting work done is how people help the world and get the things they need.

They will come back to see me when they are finished working.

💠

We will all get ready for our work in the mornings.

I will get dressed and pack my book bag.

I can ask my Parents about the fun we will have after work:

“What’s for dinner tonight?”

💠

I can say goodbye to them when I go to do my work:

“See you later alligator.”

They might say a silly goodbye back:

“After while crocodile.”

💠

Smiles give people energy to get their work done.

I can give my Parents a smile so they have the energy to finish their work as fast as they can.

💠

There will be so many tasks waiting for me to work on in the school.

I will try to play games, learn my lessons, and sing songs.

Cleaning up and following directions helps everybody get their work done.

💠

There is always someone around to protect me.

Teachers will stay with me the whole day.

My teachers love to answer my questions when I’m not sure.

The principal can show me where to go.

💠

Missing my Parents is ok.

I can think about them and the fun things we do together any time I want to.

Pictures and photos help us to think about a fun time.

💠

I can think about what I want to tell them when we have our dinner together.

They will want to know what I ate for lunch.

They will want to know what the teacher talked about.

They will want to know the most fun thing I did today.

💠

I will see my Parents again after our work is done.

We can smile again and give each other hugs.

My Parents love me.

black mother embracing happy daughter near fence

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do we need to do work?
  2. How will we get ready in the morning?
  3. How can I say goodbye?
  4. What gives Mom and Dad energy to finish work faster?
  5. What will I do in school?
  6. Who will be with me during the day?
  7. What can I do when I miss Mom and Dad and the fun things we do?
  8. What can I give them when I see them again?
  9. What will I tell Mom and Dad over dinner about my day?
  10. What time do I get to see Mom and Dad after school?

 

Wishing you delightful adventures and sensory-filled tales,

Mrs. Autumn

Designer, Storyteller, and Sensory Experience Enthusiast

Psst ☞ Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links & I may earn a commission on sales made through them.

Find the printable multimedia PDF and EPUB for eReaders of this story at

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