A Tool for Teaching Emotional Regulation & Impulse Control
The Day I Ran Away is a key resource in the Storytime with Pop-Pop series. It is designed to help children move through "big feelings" using the CASEL framework for Social-Emotional Learning.
Core CASEL Competencies Addressed:
- Self-Management & Impulse Control: The story explores the common childhood urge to act immediately when feeling bored or overlooked.
- Self-Awareness: It helps young readers identify the difference between an external situation (having nothing to do) and an internal emotional reaction.
- Relationship Skills: The book models the importance of communication within the family unit, even when a child feels misunderstood.
Why Educators & Parents Love This Book:
- Boredom as a Trigger: Most children’s books focus on anger or sadness; this book uniquely addresses
boredom and how it can lead to impulsive decision-making.
- Safe Exploration: It allows children to "practice" the idea of independence and its consequences from the safety of a shared story.
- Veteran & Scholar-Led: Created by Randolph Cuthbert, a psychology scholar and U.S. Army Veteran, the book bridges clinical SEL goals with engaging storytelling.
Pop-Pop’s Discussion Starters:
- Feelings Check-In: "Have you ever felt like no one had time to play with you? What did that feel like in your body?"
- Thinking Ahead: "If you feel bored today, what are three things you can do inside the house to have fun?"
- Communication Skills: "What is one way we can tell someone we need their attention without getting upset?"
- Publisher: C Family Media
- Publication date: December 2, 2025
- Hardcover ISBN: 978-1662968631
- Paperback ISBN: 9781662968648
- Format: hardcover, paperback, e-book.