Building Blocks
Sammy and his friend Leo are building with blocks. They are making a tall tower together. Sammy is having a great time!
Leo: "Let's make it really tall!"
Using My Words, Not My Hands
● emotions & regulation • 6 min read
The Problem
Leo picks up the red block. But Sammy was about to use that one! Sammy feels angry. His hands tighten into fists. He wants to grab the block back.
Leo picks up the red block. But Sammy was about to use that one! Sammy feels 
angry. His hands tighten into fists. He wants to grab the block back.
angry. His hands tighten into fists. He wants to grab the block back. ● Reading...
Stop and Think
Sammy sees a big STOP sign in his mind. STOP. He can try to keep his hands by his side. He takes a deep breath instead. In... and out. His hands slowly open.
Sammy sees a big 
STOP sign in his mind. STOP. He can try to keep his hands by his side. He takes a deep breath instead. In... and out. His hands slowly open.
STOP sign in his mind. STOP. He can try to keep his hands by his side. He takes a deep breath instead. In... and out. His hands slowly open. ● Reading...
Use My Words
Sammy uses his words instead of his hands. He says, 'I was going to use that block. Can I have it back, please?' His voice is calm. Leo listens.
Sammy uses his words instead of his hands. He says, 'I was going to use that block. Can I have it back, please?' His voice is calm. Leo listens.
Sammy: "I was going to use that block. Can I have it back, please?"
● Reading...
Leo Listens
Leo says, 'Oh sorry, Sammy! I didn't know you wanted it. Here you go.' He gives the block back. They decide to share the pile of blocks. That is fair!
Leo says, 'Oh sorry, Sammy! I didn't know you wanted it. Here you go.' He gives the block back. They decide to 
share the pile of blocks. That is 
fair!
share the pile of blocks. That is fair! Leo: "Sorry, Sammy! Here you go. Let's share the blocks!"
● Reading...
Better Together
Sammy and Leo finish their tower together. It is the tallest one yet! Using words worked much better than grabbing. Sammy's hands stayed calm and kind.
Sammy and Leo finish their tower together. It is the tallest one yet! Using words worked much better than grabbing. Sammy's hands stayed calm and kind.
Sammy: "We did it! Using my words worked!"
● Reading...
The Rule
When I feel angry, I can try to STOP. I can try to breathe. I can try to use my words. My hands can stay calm and kind. Words might work better than grabbing. I can try to solve problems with my words!
When I feel angry, I can try to STOP. I can try to 
breathe. I can try to use my 
words. My hands can stay calm and kind. Words might work better than grabbing. I can try to solve problems with my words!
STOP. I can try to breathe. I can try to use my words. My hands can stay calm and kind. Words might work better than grabbing. I can try to solve problems with my words! ● Reading...