Suma and her Pause Buttons

Suma was 7 years old. She was smart, funny, and fast 😅especially her feelings & Reactions

One morning at school, Suma brought her favorite blue pencil. It had tiny stars on it. During art time, her friend Riya picked it up and started using it without asking.

Suma’s chest got tight. Her face felt hot. Her hands wanted to grab.

“Give it back!” Suma shouted. She snatched the pencil. Riya’s eyes filled with tears. The table went quiet.

Suma’s teacher, Ms. Tara, knelt beside her. “Suma, your feelings are very big right now,” she said softly. “Big feelings need a pause button.”

 Tara Madam showed Suma a simple trick: STOP - BREATHE - NAME.
“Stop your body. Breathe three slow breaths. Then name the feeling.”

Suma tried. In her head, she said, “I feel… angry.” Then she listened deeper. “And… worried I will lose my favourite pencil.”

 Tara Madam nodded. “ Good. Now express same with brave words.”

Suma turned to Riya. Her voice was quieter. “I felt upset because that pencil is special for me. Please ask first before you touch it.”

Riya sniffed. “I’m sorry. I will ask.”

Later, Suma told her mom, 

“My anger was loud, but mom, i learnt that I didn’t have to be.”

That night, Suma put the blue pencil in her box and smiled. She learned something powerful: she could lead her feelings instead of following them.

Moral:

Big feelings are normal. Pause, breathe, and name the feeling. Then speak kindly and clearly. This helps your brain stay in control and protects friendships.