Illustrations still show Sammy.
One-time per story. Takes about 2 minutes.
My brain is good at noticing when something feels too big or too loud. ,Adults in my life have noticed how aware I am of what is happening around me. ,Sometimes I wait and watch before I decide what to do next. ,That patience is something the people around me notice and value. Taking a deep breath or a quiet break can help.
wait and watch before I decide what to do next. ,That patience is something the people around me notice and value. Taking a deep breath or a quiet break can help. I notice when things feel too big. I wait before I act. That is a strength.
wait Some days at school, the cafeteria is louder and brighter than usual. ,The sounds pile up, the lights feel harsh, and my chest starts to feel tight. ,My thoughts start to race, and it becomes harder to turn my attention to one thing. ,My body is sending me signals, but I do not always know what they mean.
The cafeteria is loud. Lights feel bright. My chest feels tight. My thoughts race.
loud 
calm My school counselor helped me understand what those body signals mean. ,There is a stage called the rumble, which happens before things get too big to manage. ,It is okay that my nervous system responds more strongly than some other people's. ,Knowing about the rumble stage is the first step toward doing something about it.
My counselor told me about the rumble stage. It is okay. My body is trying to tell me something.
bubble I am learning that I have choices during the rumble stage. ,I can raise my hand and ask my teacher for a short break. ,My teacher knows about the rumble stage and is ready to help when I ask. ,Asking for support early makes things much easier for everyone involved.
teacher for a short break. ,My teacher knows about the rumble stage and is ready to help when I ask. ,Asking for support early makes things much easier for everyone involved. I can raise my hand. I can ask my teacher for help. I have choices.
teacher 
question During a recent assembly, the noise and lights started to feel like too much. ,I noticed my jaw tighten and my thoughts begin to race — those are my rumble signals. ,I can try to raise my hand and wait for my teacher to turn and help me. ,My teacher walked with me to a quiet room, and I felt calmer after a few minutes.
The assembly felt too loud. I noticed my signals. I raised my hand and asked for help. I felt better.
adult wait I am getting better at reading my body's rumble signals before things get too big. ,Each time I raise my hand and ask for help early, things feel more manageable. ,My family has noticed that I am speaking up more before things become overwhelming. ,Asking for support when I need it is a sign of real self-awareness and strength.
I notice my signals now. I ask for help. My family is proud. I am proud too.
family question Take a moment. You can take some slow, deep breaths when you feel ready.
You finished reading "Asking for Help When Things Feel Too Much"
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