Notice the Signals
Name one sign that tells you you’re starting to feel overwhelmed.
My stomach feels tight, I start pacing, or it becomes harder to talk
Name something new you’ve tried recently.
Riding a roller coaster, meeting someone new, or helping with the marching band.” Let Eli choose his example
Show one thing you can do to connect with the room around you.
Show one thing you can do to connect with the room around you.
Who could you tell when something feels confusing or scary?
My mom, dad, therapist, teacher, or school counselo
Alex is getting ready for bed, but his mind keeps returning to tomorrow’s schoolwork. What could he try to help himself settle down?
Alex could write down his school worries, choose one thing to prepare for tomorrow, and then try a quiet bedtime activity
A character says, “I feel weird.” What could you ask to understand what “weird” means?
Can you describe or draw what you’re noticing?
Can something be exciting and stressful at the same time? Give an example.
Yes! I might want to go to a birthday party but feel nervous because I don’t know everyone.
Talking feels hard. Show how you could write or draw a worry instead.
Type: “I’m worried about tomorrow,” or draw where the worry feels strongest in my body.
Finish: “I’m having trouble explaining it, but…
…something feels different, and I’d like help figuring it out.” He could also type or draw it
Alex’s parent is leaving briefly. He notices his stomach getting tight and starts worrying about being alone. What could he tell his parent, and what support could they plan together?
He could say, ‘I’m nervous about being alone. Can we make a plan?’ They could discuss when his parent will return, who he can contact, and whether he feels ready for that step
How could you describe a body feeling separately from a worried thought?
Body feeling: “My heart is beating fast.” Worried thought: “I’m afraid something bad might happen.
A character has school, a birthday party, and a new activity. How could they tell they need downtime?
They might feel tired, irritated, have trouble concentrating, or want quiet. They could check in with themselves and ask for a break.
Pick a skill, try it together, and rate it: helpful, maybe, or not for me.
Try gently relaxing my shoulders or noticing sounds around me, then give my honest rating. Any rating is acceptable.
What could a parent do that would help when you’re overwhelmed?
Stay nearby, speak calmly, ask one question at a time, or let me write what I’m feeling
Alex wants to attend a school dance, but he doesn’t know what to expect. He feels excited and nervous. What could he find out beforehand, and what small step could he choose?
He could find out where it is, what happens there, and whether a friend is going. A small step could be visiting briefly with a planned pickup time
A character notices a feeling they haven’t talked about before. How could they explain whether it is new or familiar?
I’ve felt this before, but didn’t know how to explain it,” or “This feels different from what I’ve experienced before.” “I’m not sure” also counts.
You’re considering a school dance. What information or support might make deciding easier?
Find out when and where it is, who’s going, how loud it might be, and who I can ask for help. I could arrange a short visit and a pickup plan.
Your first coping skill doesn’t help. Build a next-step plan.
I can try another familiar skill, move somewhere quieter, or tell a trusted adult I need more help.
Practice asking for support while home alone or getting ready for bed
Home alone: “I’m feeling scared. Can we talk and figure out what I need?” Bedtime: “I’m having trouble settling down. Can you sit with me while I write down my worries?
After a busy weekend of fun activities, Alex feels overwhelmed. Talking is difficult, and the first coping skill he tries doesn’t help. How else could he communicate, and what could he try next?
He could type or draw what he needs, such as ‘I need quiet and a break.’ If one skill doesn’t help, he could try another familiar skill or ask a parent to stay nearby