“Why I Do Not See My Dad (Dad’s Mental Health Difficulties” is a free, printable PDF social story for children designed to gently explain why a parent—specifically a father—may stop visiting due to mental health difficulties. Created with sensitivity and emotional literacy in mind, this child-friendly resource helps young readers process the confusing and often painful experience of a parent’s sudden absence, especially in situations where mental illness is involved.
This therapeutic social story uses clear language and compassionate explanations to reassure children that:
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A parent’s mental health problems can make it hard for them to function or keep in touch
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Their dad’s absence is not their fault
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Feeling sad, angry, or confused is completely normal
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There are still trusted adults and carers who love and support them
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Their life can still be safe, fun, and full of love
Designed for kids affected by family separation, parental mental illness, or inconsistent contact with a parent, this story is especially valuable for social workers, therapists, school counsellors, and foster carers supporting children through emotional distress or attachment disruptions.
Ideal for:
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Looked-after children (LAC) and children in foster care
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Children with parents experiencing depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions
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Safeguarding or child protection contexts where contact is disrupted
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Therapeutic life story work, emotional check-ins, or direct work sessions
This social story helps children make sense of difficult family changes, reducing self-blame, promoting emotional resilience, and reinforcing the message that they are loved, valued, and never alone. It is a gentle, illustrated explanation for children coping with parental absence due to mental health issues. An essential addition to any toolkit for supporting emotional wellbeing, grief processing, or family trauma.
