In this heartfelt episode of Ever Wonder, we meet Violet—a girl who tries her hardest but still comes last in her school’s cross-country race. As Violet struggles with shame, self-doubt, and feeling like she’s not good enough, listeners are gently invited to explore what makes someone truly valuable.

Perfect for girls aged 6–10, this story opens up meaningful conversations about failure, self-worth, and identity. It offers practical tools to help kids separate their performance from their value and encourages quiet strength, empathy, and resilience. Includes a calming affirmation and a parent conversation guide to help your daughter process moments of disappointment and grow in confidence.

Parent Conversation Guide

Conversation Starters:

• How did Violet feel when she came last? Have you ever felt like that?
• Why do you think she was so sad even though people were cheering?
• Have you ever worked really hard at something and it still didn’t go how you wanted?
• What do you think it means to be “strong,” even when things don’t look successful?
  
  

Phrases You Can Use:

• It’s okay to feel disappointed when something matters to you and it doesn’t go how you hoped.
• You are valuable, even when things are hard or don’t go right.
• Your worth isn’t tied to how fast, smart, or talented you are. I love who you are, not what you do.
• It takes real courage to keep going when things are hard. I’m proud of how you keep showing up.
  
  

Ways to Model This as a Parent:

• Talk honestly about something you tried but didn’t succeed in—and how it felt.
• Praise effort and character over outcome: “I noticed how kind you were when your friend was upset” instead of “You did the best.”
• Let your child hear you challenge your own inner critic out loud: “I didn’t do as well as I hoped, but that doesn’t change who I am.”
• Celebrate small acts of kindness, growth, and persistence in your child and yourself.
• Avoid over-focusing on achievements. Instead, say things like, “I love the way you tried,” or “I admire your courage to keep going.”

💛 If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review. It is so encouraging hearing how your daughter is growing, learning and connecting with those around her.

It helps other families find the show and reminds us that these gentle conversations really do matter.

For more information, or to get in touch privately, please head to www.everwonderpodcast.com

Thanks for listening — we’re so glad you’re here.

Ivy usually manages just fine—but when too many loud, fast, unpredictable things happen in a short time, her senses become overwhelmed. From basketball training to a noisy family dinner and a crowded school assembly, it all becomes too much. In this gentle story, children learn what sensory overload can feel like, how to recognise when they’re ‘full,’ and how to start building their own calming toolbox. Whether they’re highly sensitive themselves or have friends who are, this episode helps children understand, empathise, and rest well at the end of a big day.

Parent Conversation Guide

1. Conversation Starters
Ask your child:

• “Have you ever felt like Ivy? Like everything was happening too fast, too loud, or all at once?”
• “What do you think it means when someone’s ‘full’? How can we tell when that’s happening?”
• “Did any part of Ivy’s day sound like something you’ve experienced before?”
  
  

2. Helpful Phrases to Use
Try saying:

• “It sounds like your jar is getting full—would a quiet moment help?”
• “You’re not being ‘too much’—you’re just feeling a lot right now.”
• “We all feel full sometimes. Let’s figure out what helps you feel safe again.”
• “Would it help to make a list of what fills and empties your jar?”
  
  

3. Skills to Model and Encourage

• Help your child build a ‘calm toolbox’—this might include drawing, jumping on the trampoline, reading, music, or sensory toys.
• Talk about what overstimulation can feel like (racing heart, tired eyes, wanting to hide) and name it when you see it.
• With siblings or friends, model compassion by saying things like: “Sometimes Ivy just needs a quieter space. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to play.”
• Share times you have felt overwhelmed and what helped you come back to calm.
  
  

4. If Your Child Isn’t Highly Sensitive
Use this episode to develop empathy:

• “Not everyone feels the world the same way. What do you think it would feel like to hear and feel everything more intensely?”
• “What are kind ways we can help someone who’s overwhelmed?”
• “What could we do if a friend is quiet, teary, or needs space?”
  
  
  

💛 If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review. It is so encouraging hearing how your daughter is growing, learning and connecting with those around her.

It helps other families find the show and reminds us that these gentle conversations really do matter.

For more information, or to get in touch privately, please head to www.everwonderpodcast.com

Thanks for listening — we’re so glad you’re here.

Matilda and her sister Madison sneak a few cookies from the pantry — ones they baked together — even though Mum had asked them to wait. No one sees. No one gets in trouble. But later that night, Matilda feels the quiet weight of her decision.

This gentle story explores the power of integrity, what it feels like to choose wrong, and how to become the kind of person you — and others — can trust. A calm, thoughtful reflection for girls learning to grow in honesty and character.

Parent Conversation Guide
Why This Episode Matters:
This story helps girls process the quiet inner conflict of making a wrong choice — especially when no one is watching and no one finds out. It affirms that those uneasy feelings are not a sign of failure, but a sign of growth. Matilda’s story gives children a safe way to explore conscience, integrity, and how to take steps toward becoming trustworthy and honest people.

Themes to Explore Together:

• What is integrity, and why does it matter?
• How do our choices shape who we’re becoming?
• Why do we sometimes make the wrong decision, even when we know better?
• What does it look like to grow from a mistake without shame?
  
  

Questions to Ask:

• “Have you ever done something you weren’t supposed to, even if no one knew?”
• “What helped Matilda realise she wasn’t proud of her choice?”
• “What do you think you’d do next time if you were in her shoes?”
• “How do we know when something just doesn’t sit right inside us?”
  
  

Helpful Phrases to Try:

• “You don’t have to be perfect to grow.”
• “It’s brave to admit when something wasn’t right.”
• “Even mistakes can help shape you into someone strong.”
• “Doing what’s right when no one is watching — that’s real strength.”
  
  

Model It:
Let your child see your own moments of reflection:
“I wish I’d handled that differently. Next time, I want to pause and think more.”
This models that self-awareness and change are part of maturity — not something to hide from.

💛 If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review. It is so encouraging hearing how your daughter is growing, learning and connecting with those around her.

It helps other families find the show and reminds us that these gentle conversations really do matter.

For more information, or to get in touch privately, please head to www.everwonderpodcast.com

Thanks for listening — we’re so glad you’re here.