Tommy, a bright-eyed boy with curly hair, fidgets as he feels a strange rumble in his tummy. He glances at the volcano poster and wonders why his insides feel like they're bubbling. "Why do I feel so funny inside?" he whispers, hugging his dinosaur a little tighter.
Tommy watches as the juice spreads, and suddenly, his tummy rumbles louder—his Anger Volcano is bubbling! His face scrunches up, fists clench, and his cheeks turn red. "It's not fair! I wanted to pour it myself!" he shouts, startling his mom at the stove.
Tommy[/@ch_1]'s little sister tugs at his favorite truck, and the volcano inside him starts to boom.]
His heart pounds, and it feels like fire is about to shoot out of his ears. "Give it back! That's mine!" he yells, grabbing for the toy. The room feels hot and tight, as if the volcano might erupt and spill lava everywhere.
Tommy[/@ch_1]'s mom kneels beside him in the softly lit hallway. The hallway walls are lined with family photos, and the air feels cooler and calmer.]
Mom, warm and patient, puts a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Tommy, I see your Anger Volcano wants to explode. Let's take a deep breath together, and watch how it cools down." Together, they close their eyes and breathe in slowly, letting the heat in Tommy's tummy melt away.
Tommy[/@ch_1] sits quietly under a big oak tree, his dinosaur in his lap, practicing deep breaths while his sister builds a block tower nearby.]
He imagines his Anger Volcano cooling, the bubbling slowing, and the air becoming fresh and sweet. "I feel better when I breathe and use my words," he says softly, noticing how nice it feels to be calm.
Tommy[/@ch_1] and his family gather on the couch, snuggled under a big blanket, the volcano poster glowing gently in the background.]
Tommy smiles, feeling proud of his new skills. "Remember, Tommy, big feelings are okay. You’re learning to let them out in safe ways," says Mom. "Next time my Anger Volcano rumbles, I’ll cool it down with deep breaths and kind words," promises Tommy, as the whole family hugs close, safe and warm.
