If your young child has been hurting other children, I want you to take a deep breath. You are not alone, and this is not a character flaw. Ages 4-5 are a critical empathy development window, and research shows this is exactly when your loving guidance makes the biggest difference.

In this episode, we explore:

• 0:00 — Introduction: You Are Not Alone
• 1:45 — The Empathy Development Window (Ages 4-5)
• 4:30 — What Research Shows Us
• 7:15 — Gentle Approaches That Work
• 10:00 — Teaching Emotional Literacy
• 12:30 — The Magic Carpet Story
• 14:45 — Building Compassion Through Connection

STORIES MENTIONED:

• The Magic Carpet - A humble weaver discovers that using their magical carpet to help others makes the magic grow stronger. This beautiful tale teaches children that kindness creates positive energy and connection. Find it in The Book of Inara!

RESEARCH SOURCES:

• Preschoolers' Empathy Profiles and Their Social Adjustment - Frontiers in Psychology
• https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.782500/full

When to Worry: Signs That A Child May Have Low Empathy - Dr. Michele Borba, Ed.D.

• https://micheleborba.com/building-moral-intelligence-and-character/when-to-worry-signs-that-a-child-may-have-low-empathy/

Promoting Young Children's Social and Emotional Health - NAEYC

• https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2018/promoting-social-and-emotional-health

Preschoolers with low empathy at risk for continued problems - University of Michigan

• https://news.umich.edu/preschoolers-with-low-empathy-at-risk-for-continued-problems/

ABOUT INARA AND THE MAGIC BOOK:

Inara is a cosmic guide who helps parents navigate the beautiful, challenging journey of raising young children. With the Magic Book of Wonder, she shares research-backed wisdom wrapped in warmth, validation, and hope.

Read the full article: https://www.thebookofinara.com/blog/teaching-empathy-children-who-hurt-others-gentle-guide/

#GentleParenting #EmpathyDevelopment #ChildDevelopment #ParentingTips #SocialEmotionalLearning

If your preschooler tells elaborate stories that seem completely real to them, you are not alone. This is healthy development, not deception. Let me share what research reveals about imagination and truth-telling in young children.

In this episode, we explore:

• 0:00 — Introduction: Your Child Is Not Lying
• 1:45 — The Science of Fantasy vs Reality Development
• 4:30 — What Research Shows About Preschool Imagination
• 7:15 — Gentle Ways to Teach Honesty
• 10:00 — Story Recommendation: The Friendship Frequency
• 12:30 — Encouraging Close

STORIES MENTIONED:

• The Friendship Frequency - Ethan and Sofia discover a magical radio that only works when they speak from their hearts, teaching children that authentic communication creates real connection. Find it in The Book of Inara!

RESEARCH SOURCES:

• Why fantasy slides into reality for preschoolers - Tracy Cutchlow, citing research by Tanya Sharon and Jacqueline Woolley - https://zerotofive.net/parenting/why-fantasy-slides-into-reality-for-preschoolers/
• When Children Lie: What Parents Can Do - American Academy of Pediatrics - https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/communication-discipline/Pages/When-Children-Lie.aspx

ABOUT INARA AND THE MAGIC BOOK:

Inara is a cosmic storyteller born from stardust and moonbeams, partnered with the ancient Magic Book of Wonder. Together, we bring stories that help children navigate big feelings, build emotional intelligence, and grow with love and wisdom.

Read the full article: https://www.thebookofinara.com/blog/fantasy-reality-preschoolers-teaching-honesty/

#GentleParenting #PreschoolDevelopment #ChildDevelopment #ParentingTips #Honesty #Imagination #PositiveParenting #SEL

If your child seems to dismiss big questions about meaning, purpose, and spirituality, you're not alone. But here's what research shows: they're not actually dismissing these questions at all. They're processing them in their own beautiful way, on their own timeline.

In this episode, we explore:

• 0:00 — Introduction: Your Child's Philosophical Journey
• 1:45 — Why Children Ages 6-7 Are Natural Philosophers
• 4:30 — What Research Says About Spiritual Development
• 7:15 — How to Support Your Child's Curiosity
• 10:00 — Story Recommendation: The Giggling Gallery of Forgotten Questions
• 12:30 — Creating Space for Wonder at Home

Stories Mentioned:

• The Giggling Gallery of Forgotten Questions - Lucas and Ella discover that asking the right questions unlocks magical mysteries, celebrating the power of curiosity and wonder. Find it in The Book of Inara!

Research Sources:

• How Parents Can Help Kids Ask the Big Questions - Eugene C. Roehlkepartain, Ph.D., Search Institute (2025)
• https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_parents_can_help_kids_ask_the_big_questions

A Systematic Review of Curiosity and Wonder in Natural Science Education - Taylor & Francis Online (2023)

• https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02568543.2023.2192249

Principles of Child Development and Learning - National Association for the Education of Young Children (2024)

• https://www.naeyc.org/resources/position-statements/dap/principles

About Inara and The Magic Book:

Inara is a cosmic storyteller born from the very first bedtime wish, partnered with the ancient Magic Book of Wonder. Together, they bring stories that help children navigate big feelings, build confidence, and explore life's biggest questions.

Read the full article: https://www.thebookofinara.com/blog/nurturing-child-spiritual-curiosity-big-questions/

#GentleParenting #ChildDevelopment #SpiritualCuriosity #PhilosophicalThinking #ParentingTips

Your toddler is learning one of life's most precious skills: how to express and share joy with the people they love. This isn't about fixing a problem—it's about celebrating a beautiful developmental milestone.

In this episode, we explore:

• 0:00 — Introduction: The Gift of Joy Expression
• 1:45 — Why Ages 2-3 Are Special for Emotional Development
• 4:30 — What Research Says About Emotional Intelligence
• 7:15 — How to Support Your Child's Joy Expression
• 10:45 — Story Recommendation: The Laughing River
• 12:30 — Creating Family Rituals Around Sharing Happiness

STORIES MENTIONED:

• The Laughing River - A joyful Brazilian river spreads laughter and happiness throughout the jungle, bringing all the animals together in a celebration of joy. Perfect for ages 2-3! Find it in The Book of Inara.

RESEARCH SOURCES:

• Teaching Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood - NAEYC (Tominey, O'Bryon, Rivers, Shapses, 2017)
• https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2017/teaching-emotional-intelligence

Developmental Stages of Social Emotional Development in Children - National Center for Biotechnology Information (2022)

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534819/

24-36 Months: Social-Emotional Development - Zero to Three Organization (2023)

• https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/24-36-months-social-emotional-development/

ABOUT INARA AND THE MAGIC BOOK:

Inara is a cosmic storyteller born from stardust and moonbeams, partnered with the ancient Magic Book of Wonder. Together, they bring stories that help children develop emotional intelligence, social skills, and a love of learning.

Read the full article: https://www.thebookofinara.com/blog/toddler-joy-expression-emotional-development-ages-2-3/

#GentleParenting #ToddlerDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #PositiveParenting #ChildDevelopment #ParentingTips #SEL #Ages2to3

Is your preschooler learning to work toward goals? Discover the beautiful science behind frustration, persistence, and achievement in young children.

In this episode, we explore:

• 0:00 — Introduction: The Magic of Goal-Setting
• 1:45 — Why Frustration Is Actually Healthy
• 4:30 — What Research Says About Persistence
• 7:15 — Three Ways to Support Your Child
• 10:00 — Story Recommendation: The Garden of Growing Steps
• 12:30 — Creating Your Own Practice Garden Ritual

STORY MENTIONED:

The Garden of Growing Steps - Milo and Nana discover a magical practice garden where every small effort makes flowers bloom. They learn that their unique ways of trying are special gifts that help beautiful things grow. Find it in The Book of Inara!

RESEARCH SOURCES:

• Janet Lansbury, M.A., RIE Associate - "Raising Kids Who Persist Through Struggles" - Janet Lansbury (2024)
• Link: https://www.janetlansbury.com/2024/06/raising-kids-who-persist-through-struggles/

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine - "Child Development and Early Learning" - Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 (2015)

Link: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/19401/chapter/8

The Cook Center for Human Connection - "10 Ways to Help Children Learn Goal Setting Skills" (2023)

Link: https://cookcenter.org/10-ways-to-help-children-learn-goal-setting-skills/

ABOUT INARA & THE MAGIC BOOK:

Inara is a cosmic guide born from the very first bedtime wish, partnered with the ancient Magic Book of Wonder. Together, they bring stories that help children navigate big feelings, build confidence, and discover their inner strength.

Read the full article: https://www.thebookofinara.com/blog/preschooler-goal-setting-persistence-gentle-parenting/

#GentleParenting #ToddlerParenting #ChildDevelopment #ParentingTips #SEL #GoalSetting #Persistence #GrowthMindset

Is your 6-7 year old asking how they can help others and make a difference in their community? This beautiful question shows they're in a golden developmental window for learning service, empathy, and early leadership skills.

In this episode, we explore:

• ⏰ 0:00 - Introduction: The Beautiful Question
• ⏰ 1:45 - Why Ages 6-7 Are Perfect for Service Leadership
• ⏰ 4:30 - What Research Says About Prosocial Development
• ⏰ 7:15 - Five Ways to Nurture Your Child's Helping Instinct
• ⏰ 11:00 - Story Recommendation: The Vision Keepers of Clarity Lane
• ⏰ 13:30 - Creating Ripples of Kindness in Your Community

📚 STORY MENTIONED:

The Vision Keepers of Clarity Lane - Lucas and Ella discover that caring actions create ripples of positive change when they help a scared child. This story beautifully shows children how their unique talents can transform communities. Find it in The Book of Inara!

🔬 RESEARCH SOURCES:

Greenberg, M. (2023). Evidence for Social and Emotional Learning in Schools. Learning Policy Institute. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/evidence-social-emotional-learning-schools-brief

Social Cognition and Prosocial Behavior in Children. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10218260/

Borba, M. Teaching Empathy to Children: Building Moral Intelligence. https://micheleborba.com/building-moral-intelligence-and-character/when-to-worry-signs-that-a-child-may-have-low-empathy/

✨ ABOUT INARA & THE MAGIC BOOK:

Inara is a cosmic storyteller born from stardust and moonbeams, partnered with the ancient Magic Book of Wonder. Together, they bring stories that help children navigate emotions, build confidence, and discover their capacity for kindness.

📱 Download The Book of Inara: https://thebookofinara.com

#GentleParenting #ElementarySchool #ServiceLearning #ChildDevelopment #Empathy

Read the full article: https://www.thebookofinara.com/blog/service-leadership-elementary-school-children-ages-6-7/

If your 5-6 year old has been taking things from school, stores, or other children, you are not alone. This is a normal developmental phase where children are learning about property respect, impulse control, and moral decision-making.

In this episode, we explore:

• 0:00 — Introduction and Parent Validation
• 1:45 — What Is Really Happening in Your Child Brain
• 4:30 — The Science of Impulse Control and Moral Development
• 7:15 — Gentle Strategies That Actually Work
• 10:00 — Story Recommendation: The Cosmic Traffic Controllers
• 11:30 — Encouragement and Next Steps

STORY MENTIONED:

The Cosmic Traffic Controllers - Theo and Miles learn about choosing to do the right thing even when it is difficult. This story beautifully illustrates moral courage and how our choices matter. Find it in The Book of Inara!

RESEARCH SOURCES:

• Developmental Stages of Social Emotional Development in Children - StatPearls Publishing (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534819/)
• Lying and Stealing: How to Parent Challenging Behaviors - Creating a Family (https://creatingafamily.org/foster-care/fostering-blog/lying-stealing-how-to-parent-challenging-behaviors/)

About Inara and The Magic Book:

Inara is a cosmic guide who brings stories that heal, inspire, and support children emotional development. Together with the ancient Magic Book of Wonder, she helps parents understand their children through the lens of gentle parenting and child development research.

Read the full article: https://www.thebookofinara.com/blog/why-children-take-things-property-respect-guide/

#GentleParenting #ChildDevelopment #MoralDevelopment #ParentingTips #Ages5to6 #PropertyRespect #ImpulseControl #PositiveParenting

If your little one is waking up screaming multiple times every night, you are not alone. Night terrors are a common developmental phase affecting 1-6% of preschool-aged children, and there is so much you can do to help.

In this episode, we explore:

• 0:00 — Introduction: You Are Not Alone
• 1:45 — What Are Night Terrors? The Science Explained
• 4:30 — Why This Happens: Normal Development
• 6:15 — What Research Says About Sleep Disruptions
• 8:00 — Gentle Strategies That Actually Help
• 10:30 — Story Recommendations for Fear Management
• 12:00 — Encouragement and Hope

STORIES MENTIONED:

• The Courage Pools of Ocean Memory - Kenji and Maeva discover that bravery means moving forward despite feeling scared. This story helps children understand that feeling scared is normal and provides a framework for courage. Find it in The Book of Inara!

RESEARCH SOURCES:

• National Center for Biotechnology Information - Night Terrors StatPearls NCBI Bookshelf (2024)
• Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493222/

Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine - Sleep terrors in early childhood and associated emotional behavioral problems (2023)

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9435351/

Mayo Clinic Staff - Child sleep: Put preschool bedtime problems to rest (2023)

Link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/child-sleep/art-20044338

Attachment Research Team PMC - Nighttime maternal responsiveness and infant attachment at one year (2022)

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3422632/

ABOUT INARA AND THE MAGIC BOOK:

Inara is a cosmic storyteller born from the very first bedtime wish, partnered with the ancient Magic Book of Wonder. Together, they bring stories that help children navigate big feelings, build courage, and develop emotional intelligence.

Download The Book of Inara to discover stories that support your child through every developmental phase.

GentleParenting ToddlerParenting ChildDevelopment ParentingTips SocialEmotionalLearning

Read the full article: https://www.thebookofinara.com/blog/night-terrors-preschoolers-gentle-guide/