Social stories help children understand social situations, learn appropriate behaviors, and develop emotional regulation skills. Our free printable social stories are designed to support children in navigating everyday challenges.
Download and print these social stories to use at home, in the classroom, or during therapy sessions.
The Catbears Philosophy: What Makes Our Social Stories Different
Our free printable social stories for kids are built on a unique approach that sets them apart from traditional social stories.
Gentle Guidance, Not Correction
Unlike stories that use fear or judgment, our social stories for autism and all children use a bright, calm tone. We point the way gently, creating a safe space where children can practice without feeling wrong or bad.
Practice Over Perfection
Our personal space social story and other stories acknowledge that learning social skills is practice, not perfection. We create space for imperfection and trust that children want to do well, helping them work through conflicts naturally.
Real Moments, Real Growth
Each social story PDF connects small moments to bigger growth. We don't just describe situations—we help children understand why practicing these skills matters, building emotional regulation and social understanding that lasts.
What are Social Stories?
Social stories are short narratives that describe social situations, skills, or concepts in a clear and structured way. They help children understand what to expect in different situations and how to respond appropriately.
Created by Carol Gray, social stories have become a valuable tool for parents, educators, and therapists working with children who need support with social understanding and emotional regulation.
About The Catbears Social Stories
Our social stories are designed with the Catbears characters—Cat and Bear—who model positive social interactions and problem-solving. Each story addresses common social situations that children encounter, providing clear guidance and examples.
All our social stories are free to download and use. They can be printed, shared digitally, or used as part of a larger social-emotional learning program.
How Our Social Stories Help
Clear Visual Structure
Each story uses simple language and visual elements to make social concepts easy to understand.
Practical Examples
Stories include real-world scenarios that children can relate to and apply in their daily lives.
Positive Modeling
Cat and Bear demonstrate appropriate social behaviors and problem-solving strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our social stories are designed for children ages 3-8, though they can be adapted for older children as needed. The language and concepts are kept simple and clear to support understanding.
Read the story with your child before they encounter the situation it describes. You can read it multiple times, discuss the concepts, and refer back to it when the situation arises. Some families find it helpful to read the story regularly as part of a routine.
Yes! Feel free to adapt our social stories to better fit your child's specific needs, interests, or situation. You can add photos, change names, or modify details to make them more relevant.
Yes, social stories were originally developed for children with autism and are widely used in autism support. However, they are beneficial for all children who need support with social understanding and emotional regulation.
No special training is required. Simply read the story with your child and discuss it together. The stories are designed to be straightforward and easy to use.