5 Common Themes in Children's Stories | Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi

I have children’s ghostwriting clients from all over the world and below is what I’ve noticed in regard to themes in children’s writing.

Keep in mind that my clients include doctors, therapists, dentists, teachers, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and business owners.

I’ve even had adult children who wanted to turn their a story their father told them growing up into a book.

The one thing all these people have in common is they want to share something.

These people want to share their story, their idea, or their experience.

Usually it’s to share it with the world, but once in a while it’s more personal and they just want to share it with their family and friends.

Another common thread among these people is they’re passionate about sharing their stories.

They all have a need to get their story out there.

I can juggle two to seven clients at a time, and what I’ve noticed is a few themes that keep repeating themselves.

5 Common Themes in Children’s Writing

1. Be yourself.

A lot of adults want children to know that it’s okay to be themselves. Uniqueness and individuality is a big thing now.

Children don’t have to pretend to be someone they’re not.
They don’t have to follow others just to fit in.
Being unique isn’t something to be feared.

2. Bullying

This is another strong theme. Adults want children to know they have options and help if they’re being bullied.

Children who are being bullied are not alone.
They need to seek help if they feel overwhelmed by the bullying or can’t handle it.
They shouldn’t put up with any form of bullying.

3. Diversity

This one has become more popular over the last several years.

Adults want children to know they’re a part of a big world. A world that has all types of people in it. And to be a good citizen of the world means to accept everyone as they are.

Children should be kind to everyone.
They should try to understand people who are different than they are.
They should show tolerance toward others.
Under the exterior, we’re all the same.

4. Friendship

Adults want children to learn the importance of friendship.

Children need to be ‘a good friend’ to have good friends.
They should learn how to make friends.
They should appreciate their friends.

5. Being a good person

This is one of the oldies. Adults want children to know what being good means. They want to show children the possible consequences if they aren’t.

This theme can cover anything from being mean, to lying, to stealing, to cheating, to not sharing, to …

Think Peter and the Wolf.

Then you have the person who simply wants to entertain children or give them a glimpse into their life growing up.

There are also professionals, like child psychologists, who want to help or guide children through books.

Others may have a passion for a subject and want to kindle that passion in children.

Everyone has their own reasons for wanting their story written and published.

What’s your reason? And what’s your theme?

I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.

Or maybe you’d rather do-it-yourself. Check out my book, HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK.
There’s also a self-guided ecourse and mentoring program, FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN.

Is your manuscript finished and you need help self-publishing? Check out: WRITERS ON THE MOVE PRESS.

You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or, you can give me a call at 834—347—6700. (Please leave a message – I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)