For Parents
Welcome to the Clumsy & Friends parent resource hub! Discover ways to enhance your child's reading experience, extend the learning through fun activities, and create meaningful moments with our stories at home.
Reading Together
Reading with your child is one of the most powerful ways to build literacy skills, develop emotional intelligence, and create lasting memories. Here are some tips to make the most of your Clumsy & Friends reading time.
Reading Tips for Parents
All ages • Daily reading • Literacy development
- Find a quiet, comfortable spot free from distractions
- Let your child choose the story they want to read
- Use different voices for different characters
- Ask open-ended questions about the story
- Connect story events to your child's experiences
Creating a Reading Routine
All ages • Habit building • Daily routine
Establishing a consistent reading routine helps children develop a lifelong love of reading. Try these approaches:
- Set aside 15-20 minutes daily for reading
- Create a special reading nook in your home
- Use a reading chart to track stories read
- Make bedtime stories a non-negotiable part of your evening
Age-Specific Guidance
Children's reading needs and interests evolve as they grow. Here's how to make the most of Clumsy & Friends stories at different developmental stages.
Ages 3-5
Early literacy development
- Focus on the pictures and ask what's happening
- Point to words as you read them
- Encourage your child to join in with repeated phrases
- Ask simple questions about characters' feelings
- Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes) and entertaining
Recommended stories: "Minnie Tickledust," "The Great Veggie Cup Victory"
Ages 6-7
Beginning independent reading
- Take turns reading pages with your child
- Discuss new vocabulary words
- Ask about the problem and solution in the story
- Help your child relate to characters' experiences
- Encourage prediction about what might happen next
Recommended stories: "Yawnzarella and the Sneezing Clocks," "Timmy's Adventure in the Tooth Kingdom"
Ages 8-10
Deepening comprehension
- Discuss themes and messages in the stories
- Ask about character motivations and choices
- Explore how stories connect to real-world situations
- Encourage creative extension activities (writing, art)
- Use stories as springboards for meaningful conversations
Recommended stories: "The Skellies," longer chapter books from the series
Beyond the Book
Extend the learning and fun beyond reading time with these Clumsy & Friends-inspired activities for the whole family.
Family Story Creation
Create your own Clumsy & Friends adventure as a family! Take turns adding to the story, with each family member contributing a sentence or paragraph. You can write it down, record it, or simply enjoy the storytelling experience together.
Character Dress-Up Day
Designate a day for everyone to dress up as their favorite Clumsy & Friends character! Use simple materials from around the house to create costumes. Take photos, act out scenes from the stories, or create a new adventure with everyone in character.
Story-Inspired Outings
Plan family outings based on Clumsy & Friends stories! Visit a local park after reading about an outdoor adventure, explore a museum related to a story theme, or organize a picnic featuring foods mentioned in the books. Make connections between the stories and real-world experiences.
Resources for Parents
Download these helpful resources to support your child's reading journey at home.
Reading Log & Tracker
All ages • Reading motivation • Goal setting
Track your child's reading progress with this colorful reading log. Set goals, celebrate milestones, and create a visual record of your reading journey together.
View ResourceStory Discussion Guide
All ages • Comprehension • Conversation starters
This guide provides age-appropriate questions for each Clumsy & Friends story to spark meaningful conversations and deepen understanding.
View ResourceMonthly Activity Calendar
All ages • Family activities • Seasonal themes
A monthly calendar with daily Clumsy & Friends-inspired activities for families. Each activity takes 5-15 minutes and requires minimal materials.
View ResourceParent's Guide to Reading Development
Parent education • Literacy milestones • Reading support
Learn about the stages of reading development and how to support your child at each phase. Includes tips for addressing common challenges.
View ResourceFor Grown-Ups (Downloads)
Access Parent ResourcesResources to help parents and teachers support children's emotional and developmental needs. These evidence-based materials are available as Microsoft Word documents for easy downloading, editing, and printing.
Supporting Children's Wellbeing Together
At Clumsy & Friends, we believe that children thrive when their caregivers and educators work together with shared understanding and approaches. That's why we've developed these specialized resources for adults in children's lives.
Each of our resources is designed in collaboration with child development specialists, educational psychologists, and experienced teachers. We focus on translating complex concepts into practical, everyday strategies that fit into real family and classroom life.
Whether you're supporting a child through difficult emotions, navigating sensory challenges, or preparing them for school transitions, our resources provide gentle guidance grounded in the latest research and best practices.
We encourage you to explore these materials at your own pace, using what resonates with your child's unique needs. Remember that small, consistent steps often lead to the most meaningful progress in supporting children's wellbeing and development.
Understanding Trauma
Resources to help recognize and support children affected by trauma
Childhood trauma can affect behavior, learning, and relationships in ways that might not be immediately obvious. These resources help adults recognize the signs of trauma and learn effective, compassionate ways to support children through healing and resilience-building. Our trauma-informed approach focuses on creating safety, predictability, and positive connections.
What Does Trauma Look Like in Kids?
A comprehensive guide to recognizing signs of trauma in children of different ages.
View ResourceClumsy's Tough Day
A gentle story showing how trauma can affect behavior, designed to help children and adults understand.
Watch VideoDownloadable Tip Sheet for Parents and Teachers
Practical strategies for supporting children who have experienced trauma, with age-specific guidance.
View ResourceDevelopment & Behaviour
Understanding child development and the meaning behind behaviors
Children's behavior always communicates something about their needs, feelings, and development. These resources help adults understand typical developmental stages, recognize what children might be trying to communicate through challenging behaviors, and respond in ways that support their growth. Rather than focusing solely on changing behaviors, we emphasize understanding the root causes and meeting underlying needs.
Milestones at a Glance (ages 3–7)
Visual infographic showing typical developmental milestones for children aged 3-7.
View ResourceAll Behaviour is Communication
Learn how to decode children's behavior to understand their needs and emotions.
View ResourceProfessor Whisker's Wobbly Wonders – Why Kids Act Out
A short, child-friendly animation explaining the science behind behavior in a fun and accessible way.
Watch AnimationSensory Processing
Understanding and supporting children with sensory processing differences
Each child experiences the sensory world differently. Some might be overwhelmed by sounds others barely notice, while others seek intense movement or tactile experiences. These resources help identify sensory processing patterns and provide practical strategies to support children who may be sensory-avoidant, sensory-seeking, or both. Learn how to create sensory-friendly environments and activities that help children feel regulated and comfortable in their bodies.
Is My Child a Sensory Superhero?
A parent-friendly guide to identifying sensory processing differences and supporting your child.
View ResourceSensory-friendly Play Ideas
Activity sheets with sensory-friendly play ideas for home and classroom settings.
View ResourceClumsy's Very Noisy Day
A story that helps children understand overstimulation and sensory overload in a gentle, relatable way.
Watch VideoSchool Success Checklist
Resources to help children thrive in school environments
School transitions are significant milestones in a child's life. Whether starting school for the first time, moving to a new classroom, or returning after a break, these resources help prepare children emotionally and practically. Our school readiness approach goes beyond academic skills to include social-emotional preparation, executive function development, and practical routines that make school days smoother for everyone. Parents and teachers can use these resources together to create consistency between home and school.
Ready for School? Clumsy's Checklist
A colorful, printable poster with an illustrated checklist to help children prepare for school.
View ResourceSimple Routines to Start the School Day Right
Teacher resource with effective routines to help children transition smoothly into the school day.
View ResourceWhere to Get Help
Support resources for families in need
Sometimes families need additional support beyond what our resources can provide. We've compiled a comprehensive directory of trusted UK organizations that offer specialized help with food security, housing, mental health services, parenting support, and more. All resources listed have been vetted for accessibility, inclusivity, and effectiveness. Our local support search can help you find services specific to your area, ensuring families receive the most relevant assistance available in their community.
UK Resources Directory
Links to UK resources for food aid, housing help, mental health, and more.
View ResourceFind Local Support
Enter your postcode to get information about local support services in your area.
Or download our comprehensive regional guide as a Word document.
Building a Community of Support
These resources are just the beginning. We believe in the power of community and shared knowledge to support children's development. If you have suggestions for additional resources or would like to share how these materials have helped you, please reach out. Together, we can create nurturing environments where all children can thrive.
Join the Parent Community
Connect with other Clumsy & Friends families to share ideas, experiences, and the joy of reading together. Our parent community offers support, inspiration, and opportunities to enhance your family's reading journey.
Monthly Newsletter
Receive story recommendations, activity ideas, and exclusive content.
Parent Meetups
Join virtual and in-person events with other Clumsy & Friends families.
Story Sharing
Share your family's Clumsy & Friends experiences and creative projects.