Big Feelings, Smart Moves
What’s one thing you can do when you feel angry but don’t want to explode?
:)
What’s one tool that helps you stay on track with big assignments?
A rubric or checklist.
What’s a calmer way to say: “You never let me do anything!”
“I feel frustrated when I don’t get a say—can we talk about it?”
A classmate makes fun of you. What can you do that keeps your cool?
Walk away, say “not cool,” "ok and.." or ignore.
If your emotions were a basketball team, who would be the captain and why?
Any feeling (e.g., “anger because it gets loud,” “anxiety because it takes over”). No wrong answers!
What does your body feel like when you're upset?
Tight fists, red face, etc...
What’s one reason someone might think they finished homework but didn’t actually do it?
Didn’t read all the instructions or forgot to turn it in.
What’s one question you could ask a parent instead of yelling?
“Can I explain how I see it?” or “Can we talk when we’re both calm?”
What can you say to a friend who keeps interrupting you?
“Can I finish my thought?” or “I’ll listen next.”
Act it out: Show me how a superhero version of you would handle a stressful school day.
Creative and playful—encourages self-awareness.
Deep breathing. Helpful or just hype?
Helpful – it calms your nervous system.
What's one way to make boring homework feel more doable?
Break it into chunks, set a timer, add a reward.
If you shout “PARENTAL INJUSTICE!” and throw glitter, will they listen better?
Probably not—but respectful words go a long way.
Act it out: Show me what you’d do if you felt left out but still wanted to join the group calmly.
Walk over, ask to join, or wait for an opening.
What’s a coping skill that only works for you, even if other people might think it’s weird?
Personal strategies: pacing, humming, shadowboxing, etc.
Doing the worm across the living room floor to cool down after an argument. Real or ridiculous?
Ridiculous—but moving your body can actually help!
If you tape a rubric to your forehead, will it help you do your homework?
No, but looking at it with your eyes probably will. 😉
Real talk tell about about two of your favorite restaurants
I must try them!
Someone starts a rumor about you. What’s a good first step?
Tell a trusted adult or calmly address it.
You don’t feel like going to the gym when you’re out of shape. So why would you only go to therapy when you feel pretty okay?
Because therapy isn’t just for when things are calm—it helps you build the muscles to handle the tough stuff when it shows up again. You don’t wait to learn how to swim after you fall in the pool.
Invent a new coping skill. It can be weird, ridiculous, or real—but I have to figure out which one it is
Let see it!
Name one thing you can say to yourself to get started on a task you really don’t want to do.
“Just start with one part.” or “I’ll feel better once it’s done.”
What’s the difference between a negotiable and a non-negotiable at home?
Negotiables can be discussed; non-negotiables are set for safety or structure.
If someone says your shoes are “trash,” do you: (a) cry in the bathroom, (b) start a fan club for your shoes, or (c) roast theirs back?
(b) Start a shoe fan club—confidence wins. 😎
You just got benched from life for a day no responsibilities. What’s your ideal timeout day look like?”
all snacks, zero chores, binge gaming, talking to no one