Name That Feeling
You’ve been waiting forever for your food at a restaurant, and you’re super hungry. What feeling is creeping in?
What is frustration (or hangry)?
You just had an argument. Instead of yelling back, you grab your headphones. What coping skill is that?
What is listening to music?
You want the last cookie, but so does your sibling. What’s one way to solve it without fighting?
What is split it, take turns, or compromise?
“I can’t do this homework.” → Flip it into positive self-talk.
What is “This is tough, but I can try one step at a time”?
Your sibling keeps changing the TV channel when you’re watching your show. What’s a respectful way to handle it?
What is ask politely to take turns, or agree on a schedule?
You just finished a big school project and got an A. Your chest feels light and you can’t stop smiling.
What is pride/happiness?
Your brain feels like a shaken-up soda bottle. You sit down, breathe in for 4, out for 4. What’s that called?
What is deep breathing?
You’re in a group project, and one person isn’t helping. Instead of doing it all yourself, what could you say?
What is “Can you handle this part?” or asking for help?
“Nobody likes me.” → What’s a healthier way to reframe that?
What is “Not everyone has to like me, but I do have friends/family who care”?
Mom or Dad asks you to do a chore, but you’re in the middle of a video game. What’s the best way to respond?
What is say you’ll finish the level first and then do it, or ask for 5 minutes and follow through?
Your best friend moves away. You feel heavy, quiet, and maybe tearful.
What is sadness?
Your heart is racing, so you go shoot hoops or take a walk. Which coping style is this?
What is physical activity?
In a family meeting, everyone has different ideas. What’s one way to make sure all voices are heard?
What is take turns talking or use a talking stick?
“I messed up again.” → Flip it into a growth mindset statement.
What is “Mistakes help me learn”?
Your sibling takes something from your room without asking. Instead of yelling, what could you do?
What is tell them calmly that you want them to ask first?
You’re about to go on stage. Your stomach flips, your palms sweat, but you’re also kind of excited.
What is nervousness/anxiety?
You imagine lying on the beach with waves rolling in. You can almost smell the salt water. What’s this skill?
What is visualization/imagery?
You and your sibling keep arguing. Mom asks you to come up with a solution together. What skill are you practicing?
What is problem-solving?
“This will never get better.” → What’s a more hopeful thought?
What is “This is hard right now, but things can change”?
You and your parent are arguing about bedtime. What’s one way to talk it out instead of slamming your door?
What is use “I feel” statements and explain your side calmly?
Two emotions at the same time — like when you’re excited to start middle school but nervous about making friends.
What are mixed feelings?
You’re spiraling. To ground yourself, you name 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique?
When everyone shares responsibility and works toward one goal, that’s called…
What is collaboration/teamwork?
“I’m just not good at anything.” → What’s a strength-based reframe?
What is “I have strengths, like ___, and I can keep building on them”?
You and your sibling just had a huge fight. What’s one step you can take to repair things afterward?
What is apologize, suggest doing something together, or talk it through with respect?