Library · When I Want to Be Close
and asking before the hug.
They love their friends and show it up close: a hug nobody asked for, a face right next to another face. Vivi turns that into a narrated, animated story your child stars in, with a question before the hug, a step back when asked, and a wave that works too.
Who it helps
For children who stand very close, hug everyone, and do not yet notice the small signs that someone wants room. Many parents of autistic children use a social story like this, because noticing space is something that can be shown and rehearsed, not just told.
The friend's "no" in the story is not a rejection. Both children can say no to touch, and the game still happens.
Greeting a friend
At school, before a game, and your child heads straight in for a hug.
The friend wants room
The friend says "I need space" or steps back. That is allowed, and it is not about liking.
Ask, then step back
"Can I hug you?" If the answer is no, one step back and a wave instead.
The game goes on
The friend is still a friend, and they play together.
Yours, not ours. These are the moments a story like this usually walks through. You choose what goes into your child's, and read every page before it is animated.
Questions parents ask
Before school in the morning, before playdates and family visits, and at calm times in between. Repetition makes "can I hug you?" an automatic question rather than a rule they have to remember.
Yes. Who the friend is, how your child likes to greet, and whether the hug is accepted or not in the story. You read every page before it is animated and ask for changes in plain words.
Give them one question to ask before touching and one thing to do if the answer is no, then practice with people who will answer kindly. A social story where your child is the main character lets them see the whole exchange, including the no, without anyone being hurt.
Your first story is free in your first 30 days. After that you buy credits: 3 for $9, 10 for $26 or 30 for $66. A story is 1 credit, and a Fully Animated story is 10 more. Your first routine, Choose-Along and plan are free, then 1 credit each. Bought credits never expire.
Your first story is free. Set up your child, start from When I Want to Be Close, and watch it together before bed.
Vivi Kids is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Carol Gray or Team Social Stories.
Make it about your child
