Safe and Smart — Rehearsal by Stories
Safe and Smart — Rehearsal by StoriesYou cannot always be there. But a story can prepare them.
You tell your child "never go with someone you do not know." They nod. But would they actually know what to do in the moment? FableJar uses rehearsal by stories to let your child practise saying no, trusting their instincts, and making smart choices — before the real situation ever happens.
Why rehearsal matters most for safety
In a real situation, your child will not have time to think. They need to have already practised.
- 1You teach the rule
- 2The first story lets them feel the situation
- 3Each story covers a different scenario
- 4The child has practised saying no many times
- ✓When it matters, they already know what to do
A rule tells your child what not to do. A story shows them what to do instead — and lets them practise until it becomes instinct.
Teaching safety without teaching fear
The goal is not to scare your child. The goal is to make them feel capable and prepared. Every story below puts Sophie in a situation where something does not feel quite right — and she makes a smart choice. She is never in danger in these stories. She is always the hero who trusted her instincts, said no, and found a safe adult. Five stories. Five different situations. One confident, prepared child.
Five nights. Five smart choices. One prepared child.
The complete series — each night is a full FableJar story, personalized for Sophie.
Safe and Smart · Story 1 of 5
Sophie and the Puppy Trick
A friendly person at the park says "I have puppies in my car, do you want to see them?" Sophie feels excited for a second — puppies! But then she remembers the rule. She says "No thank you" and walks straight to where her mum is sitting. She tells her mum what happened. Her mum says "You did exactly the right thing."
Saying no to something tempting from a stranger
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Safe and Smart · Story 2 of 5
Sophie and the Code Word
An adult at the school gate says "Your mum asked me to pick you up today." Sophie feels confused. It sounds real. But she and her mum have a secret code word. She asks for it. The person does not know it. Sophie walks straight to her teacher and tells her what happened. The code word worked.
Using a family code word to verify
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Safe and Smart · Story 3 of 5
Sophie and the Secret That Felt Wrong
An older kid Sophie does not know well says "Come to my house, I have something cool to show you. But do not tell anyone." The "do not tell anyone" makes Sophie's stomach feel tight. She says "I need to ask my mum first" and goes home. She tells her mum everything, and learns that a secret that makes you feel uncomfortable is never one to keep.
Recognising that "do not tell anyone" is a warning sign
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Safe and Smart · Story 4 of 5
Sophie and the Unwanted Hug
At a family gathering, a relative Sophie does not see very often keeps standing too close and asks for a big hug. Sophie does not want to. Her body feels stiff. She takes a step back and says "I do not want a hug right now." Mum steps in: "That is okay, Sophie. Your body, your choice." Sophie learns she is allowed to say no to anyone.
Setting body boundaries — even with people she knows
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Safe and Smart · Story 5 of 5
Sophie and the Shopping Centre
Sophie is at the shopping centre with her mum and turns around — Mum is gone. Her heart beats fast. A stranger walks up and says "I will help you find your mum." Sophie remembers the rule: go to a worker, not someone who comes to you. She says "No thank you" and walks to the nearest shop counter, where she asks the person with the name badge for help. They find Mum in three minutes.
Finding a safe adult when lost
Read the full story →Quick note: when you pick a topic you do not have to create all five stories. We recommend five because that is where the rehearsal works best. If you would rather start with one or two, you can do that in the app. Start with whatever feels right for your family.
Sophie does not just know the rules. She knows what to do.
After five stories, Sophie has said no to something tempting from a stranger. She has used her family's code word. She has recognised that "do not tell anyone" is a warning sign. She has set a boundary with a relative. And she has found a safe adult when lost. She has not just been told the rules. She has practised following them — five times — in her head.
You cannot follow your child everywhere. But you can give them stories where they practise the moments that matter most. Not to scare them. To prepare them. So when the moment comes — and you are not standing right there — they already know exactly what to do. Because they have done it before. In a story. Five times.
Prepare your child before the moment comes.
Pick the safety skill. FableJar creates the stories. One per night. Same lesson. Different scenario. Until knowing what to do becomes second nature.
Create Your Child's First Series — FreeYour first story is free. No credit card required.