JUMP! Magazine for Creative Kids, Spring 2020 issue

Merrilee Narensky is an NC educator and writer. She helps kids and grownups understand their feelings.

"Just like you are in charge of your body, you are also in charge of how you feel and the thoughts you create," says Ms. Narensky. We asked her to tell us more.

This is a great book for caregivers to read with their children!

Why is it important to "check in" with how we are feeling every day?

"Checking in" is a way of saying “Hello” to yourself! It is a time of quieting down so that you can understand what is going in your body, in your thoughts, and with your feelings.

1 ) Take a few moments to sit quietly and breathe deeply.

2) Ask yourself, “What is going on with me today?”

“Does my body hurt anywhere?”

“Am I worried or anxious?”“Do I feel happy or sad today?”

Learning the answers to these questions is a great way to start your day! You can also do this whenever you feel uncertain.

It's normal for us to get mad when things don't go our way!

People don’t always do things you like, and it is natural to become mad, angry, or annoyed. That’s okay!

Sometimes other people don’t even know when they have upset you or hurt your feelings.

1) Understanding your feelings and sharing them, in a kind way, and. . . 2) being a good listener are two good skills to practice when you get mad.

When you feel scared, it helps to remember that you are connected to the Earth! Just like a big, strong tree!

Everyone gets scared at some time in their lives. New experiences create uncertain feelings, and you can become very nervous.

1) Breathe deeply and imagine you are big and strong, like a tree with roots that grow hidden underground.

2) Think of a color that makes you feel happy and strong and then imagine yourself breathing that color in through your nose to fill your the whole body.

3) Then blow the color out to fill all the space around you.

Most of all, remember that you are connected to the Earth, which is big and powerful!