Alex, an energetic eight-year-old with sparkling eyes and fidgety fingers, lies on the floor surrounded by sketchbooks and puzzle pieces. Thoughts bounce inside Alex’s head faster than marbles in a jar, making it hard to focus on any one thing. Alex feels a little frustrated, wishing for a way to slow everything down, just for a minute.
Mum sits across from Alex, her eyes gentle and understanding. Alex pushes a crumb around the plate, sighing. "Sometimes my mind feels like a racecar zooming all over the track," Alex says, looking up. "That’s okay, sweetheart," Mum replies, reaching out a comforting hand. "Let’s try a trick I learned called the Five Senses Game. Want to try it together?"
Alex sits cross-legged, closing their eyes as Mum guides the exercise. "Let’s start with seeing. Can you tell me five things you see?" Alex opens their eyes wide, noticing the swirl of colors on the rug, the sunlight painting patterns on the wall, the green leaves outside, the rainbow mug, and the picture of their family. "Wonderful! Now, four things you can touch," Mum continues.
As Alex names what they can touch, hear, smell, and taste, their breathing slows and their shoulders relax. The world seems less overwhelming, and Alex smiles, realizing how much calmer they feel. "It’s like my mind’s not running so fast anymore," Alex says softly.
Alex[/@ch_1] sits at the desk, doodling in a journal with bright markers.]
Alex decides to make a “Calm Down Toolbox,” drawing pictures of things that help: listening to music, squishing putty, hugging a pillow. Alex adds a reminder to play the Five Senses Game whenever things feel too busy inside their head.
Alex[/@ch_1] curls up in bed, a favorite stuffed animal tucked close.]
Alex reflects on the day, feeling proud for learning new ways to calm their busy mind. Mum peeks in with a gentle smile, and Alex knows that even though their brain works differently, they’ve found tools to help. As sleep comes, Alex feels peaceful, ready for tomorrow’s adventures.
