CHANGE

Change can be scary when you focus on all the negative things it that it can bring. But what if you focus on the positive? Gulliver and Emmet learn that ‘Bendy thinking’ can help decrease their worries about a new teacher- maybe it won’t be so bad after all.

ANXIETY

When a storm hits, the only person that is nervous is Gulliver. Just because nobody else is afraid, doesn’t mean the storm is any less scary for Gulliver. Remembering they are safe might help Gulliver focus on game night.

SEPARATION ANXIETY

The idea of going back to school and leaving his Mom is making Gulliver feel sick. What if something happened to him? What if something happens to his Mom? Remembering the back to school plan might just get them out the door on time.

SOCIAL ANXIETY

Emmet is not looking forward to gym class. What will everyone think when he is not very good at Dodge ball.  Worrying about what others are going to think can ruin the fun- maybe making mistakes is not so bad after all.

INNER COACH

Emmet is is discouraged when he can’t catch a ball. He hates his feathers –he’s the worst. He tells himself he will never catch the ball … maybe he needs to listen to his inner coach..

 OCD

Emmet gets very upset at how everyone is eating lunch.  There is a proper order to eating lunch, and Emmet wants everyone to follow that order. Gulliver explains that his friend has OCD and how they can help support him.

Emotional Regulation

When Wendel’s Dad needs them to hurry and get ready, Wendel doesn’t want to stop drawing. Yelling isn’t making Wendel get ready any faster- maybe they can try a different approach and work together.

Self-Regulation

Wendel is letting the angries take control of his body, throwing his toys and bugging his dad. Maybe he and his Dad can come up with some mindfulness games to help Wendel be the boss of his emotions.

Setting up for success

Wendel doesn’t like bedtime. He’s suprised to learn that his Dad does look forward to bedtime either. Maybe they need a predictable plan to help them make bedtime run more smoothly.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Wendel and his Dad have been having a hard time in the morning getting ready for school and out the door on time. What if they chunk their morning down and plan out what they have to do? Taking a big situation and breaking it down into smaller steps might get them out the door!

Managing big feelings

Managing big feelings can be challenging for children and their parents. Teaching children how to manage their feelings can take time- and some days can be more challenging than others

Start the Discussion

The goal of M.I.understanding is to create a community of support. We believe in the art of storytelling to start a conversation.

 Working with community partners, the stories have been developed to increase awareness and understanding, and give families, schools and caregivers the tools to comfort, encourage and support children struggling with anxiety.