Writing for children can look deceptively simple. The vocabulary is easier, the sentences are shorter, and the stories often appear straightforward.
But creating a successful children’s story requires precision, clarity, and a strong understanding of your young audience.
Many new writers make critical mistakes that weaken their stories. Below are ten to avoid, along with examples.
- Writing Without Knowing the Target Age Group
Children’s books must match the developmental level of the reader. A story for a five-year-old should be very different from one for a ten-year-old.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all, like adult novels.
Example mistake:
A picture book with long paragraphs and complex themes, like a romantic conflict.
Better approach:
For ages 4–7, keep sentences short and focus on concrete ideas. And simple age-appropriate themes are a must.
Example:
Instead of: Timothy contemplated the consequences of his impulsive behavior.
Write: Timmy knew he had made a mistake.
- Preaching Instead of Storytelling
Children don’t like stories that feel like lectures.
Example mistake:
A character spends an entire page explaining why sharing is important.
Better approach:
Show the lesson through action.
Example:
Lena shook her head when her friend asked to share her crayons. “Sorry, they’re brand new.”
A little later, Lena broke the one color she needed to finish her drawing. “Can I borrow your crayon?” she asked her friend.
“Sure,” said her friend, handing her the crayon.
Lena and the reader learn the kindness of sharing through the situation, not a lecture.
- Creating Passive Main Characters
Children relate best to characters who take action.
Example mistake:
The hero watches an adult solve the problem.
Better approach:
Give the child character agency.
Example: Instead of the teacher fixing everything, the child figures out how to stop the classroom pet from escaping.
- Overloading the Story With Description
Young readers need momentum. Long descriptive passages slow the story.
Example mistake:
Three paragraphs describing the forest before the story even begins.
Better approach:
Weave details into the action.
Example: Branches snapped under Maya’s feet as she hurried through the dark forest.
- Talking Down to Children
Children are smart and notice when adults underestimate them.
Example mistake:
Using babyish language for chapter-grade readers.
Better approach:
Use clear language but respect the reader’s intelligence.
Example:
Instead of: The monster was huge and super scary.
Write: The giant’s shadow stretched across the valley.
- Weak or Missing Conflict
Every story needs a problem to solve. If conflict is missing, it’s just a series of events.
Example mistake:
A story where nothing challenges the main character.
Better approach:
Introduce a meaningful obstacle that the character struggles to overcome.
Example: A child wants to perform in the school play but is terrified of speaking on stage.
- Too Many Characters
Young readers can become confused if too many characters appear quickly.
Example mistake:
Introducing ten classmates in the first chapter.
Better approach:
Focus on a couple or a few important characters.
Example: Highlight the best friend and the rival.
- Unrealistic Dialogue
Children’s dialogue should sound natural, as if they’re actually talking.
Example mistake:
“No, Jonathan, I refuse to participate in your irresponsible escapade.”
Better approach:
“No way, Jon. That’s a terrible idea.”
- Ignoring Humor and Fun
Children’s books thrive on imagination, surprise, and fun.
Example mistake:
A completely serious story with no playful moments.
Better approach:
Include humor or unexpected situations.
Example: A dragon is showing his friends how he can breathe fire but repeatedly sneezes bubbles instead.
- Ending the Story Too Quickly
A rushed ending leaves readers unsatisfied.
Example mistake:
The problem is solved in one sentence after a long buildup.
Better approach:
Let the resolution unfold naturally. Don’t rush it. Take a paragraph or two to let it breathe.
Example: Jason’s in the chorus, but he’s afraid of singing in front of an audience for the school concert. He practices for weeks in front of family, and friends, slowly gaining confidence. By the time the concert comes around, Jason is in control of his stage fright.
Summing It Up
Children’s writing needs more than simple words and short sentences. It requires strong storytelling, engaging characters, and a clear understanding of your target audience.
By avoiding these ten common mistakes, such as preaching, weak conflict, and passive characters, you can create stories that hold children’s imaginations and keep them turning pages.
When writing for children, the goal is simple: write stories they can relate to and want to read again and again.
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Crafting Scenes: 7 Must-Know Elements
Writing for Children: Is Your Dialogue Realistic?
10 Tips and Examples
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter/editor. I can help turn your idea, outline, or manuscript into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
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