Sometimes I have big feelings. I feel angry. I feel frustrated. I feel scared. And I feel overwhelmed. Big feelings can make my body feel different. My heart might beat fast. My muscles might get tight. Or my hand might squeeze into fists. Sometimes my hands want to hit, pinch, scratch, or push. Having big feelings is okay. Feelings are something we all have. But I need to keep my body and other people's bodies safe. What can I do when my feelings get too big?
I know! I can give my hands a safe job to do. Instead of hitting, I can offer a high five. Or I can clap my hands. I can wave to a friend or an animal. And I can always give a thumbs up or down to show how I feel. If I want to squeeze, I can squeeze something safe like a pillow. I can hold onto a soft toy. I can even play with different fidgets. If my hands want to scratch, I can stretch my arms up, out, and wide. I can wiggle my fingers. I can try putting my hands in my pockets to hold them together. Sometimes the best thing I can do is take a break.
I can move somewhere quiet after letting a trusted person know. I can listen to music. I can sit quietly. I can also ask for some space. When my feelings get REALLY BIG... I can stop. I can breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, and breathe out. Then I can use my words, my picture cards, my device, or find another way to say what I need. I can say: "I'm angry", "I need help", "I need a break", or "Please give me some space."
Sometimes, even when I try really hard, my hands hurt someone. When that happens I can stop and check on them. I can ask if they are okay and tell them sorry. I can then think about what happened and how I can do better next time. I can go get help. I can walk away and take a break. I can practice using my gentle hands. Learning what to do with big feelings takes time and practice. I may not get it right every time. But that's okay. I can try again.
My feelings are okay. I can keep my body safe. I can keep other people's bodies safe. I can ask for help. I can take a break. I can learn. I can practice. And I can always try again. You know what? I think gentle hands are good for everyone!