When Holly shows up to a birthday party in her favourite outfit, she’s hopeful, excited, and ready to make new friends. But when she sees sparkly dresses, hears squeals of welcome for someone else, and realises she’s not really part of the group — something inside her sinks. Even though no one was mean, Holly feels invisible. Out of place. Like she doesn’t belong.

This heartfelt episode helps girls aged 6–10 navigate the emotional experience of feeling left out — especially in social situations where they’re new, quiet, or different. Through gentle storytelling and calming reflection, Holly’s journey shows how to name uncomfortable feelings, separate truth from lies, and build confidence even when you feel unseen.

Whether your daughter has struggled with friendship, felt too quiet to speak up, or simply found herself on the outside of a group, this episode offers emotional support and practical language to help her process those moments. With simple tools to build resilience, kindness, and quiet courage, “Holly and the Party” is a comforting story for any child learning to stand tall in a world that can feel loud and glittery.

Parent Conversation Guide
Conversation Starters:

• “Have you ever gone somewhere and felt like everyone already had their group?”
• “What do you think Holly was feeling when the other girls all ran to Annie?”
• “Has there been a time when you didn’t feel noticed or included?”
• “What do you usually do when you feel left out or unsure?”
  
  

Helpful Phrases to Use:

• “It’s okay to feel a bit invisible sometimes. That doesn’t mean you’re not valuable.”
• “I’m proud of how brave you are, especially when things feel awkward or hard.”
• “You don’t have to change who you are to be worth noticing.”
• “Even when others don’t see it, you bring something really special to every room you walk into.”
• “Being quiet doesn’t mean you’re less. It means you observe deeply — and that’s a gift.”
  
  

How to Model This:

• Talk openly about times you’ve felt left out. Share moments from your own childhood or recent experiences where you felt on the edge of a group. This helps normalise the feeling.
• Celebrate quiet strengths. Point out when your child listens well, shows kindness, or quietly supports someone else — and name that as confidence.
• Avoid overfixing. Instead of jumping in with solutions, let your child express how they felt. Just listening attentively and validating their experience is healing.
• Notice others together. When you're at the park or an event, model inclusiveness: “I wonder if that little girl feels left out. Should we go say hi?” This helps build a mindset of seeing others, just like Holly learned to do.
• Practise brave phrases. Role-play how to approach a new group or start a conversation. Keep it light and practice casually — no pressure, just growing tools for real life.

💛 If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review. It is so encouraging hearing how your daughter is growing, learning and connecting with those around her.

It helps other families find the show and reminds us that these gentle conversations really do matter.

For more information, or to get in touch privately, please head to www.everwonderpodcast.com

Thanks for listening — we’re so glad you’re here.