Printable Scholar

When I Feel Upset
A social story about big upset feelings and ways to calm the body

Ages 4-812 pagesBig Feelings and Flexible Thinking

A calm, first-person story about big upset feelings and ways to calm the body. Read it together on screen below, one page at a time, or print it as a book.

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When I Feel Upset social story cover

Read the story

Read one page at a time. Let the child point at the pictures and say what is happening.

When I Feel Upset page 1
Page 1Everyone feels upset sometimes. Kids feel upset, and grown-ups feel upset too.
When I Feel Upset page 2
Page 2Hard things can make me feel upset. Surprises can upset me too.
When I Feel Upset page 3
Page 3When I am upset, my body can change. My face might feel hot. My heart might beat fast.
When I Feel Upset page 4
Page 4I might want to yell or cry. It is okay to feel upset. It is okay to cry.
When I Feel Upset page 5
Page 5Big feelings get smaller after a while.
When I Feel Upset page 6
Page 6When I feel upset, I can take a slow, deep breath.
When I Feel Upset page 7
Page 7Counting to ten, slowly, can help my body feel calm.
When I Feel Upset page 8
Page 8I can squeeze a pillow or give myself a hug.
When I Feel Upset page 9
Page 9I can go to a calm spot and rest for a bit.
When I Feel Upset page 10
Page 10I can tell a grown-up how I feel. Grown-ups can help me.
When I Feel Upset page 11
Page 11After a while, my body starts to feel calm. Then I can try again.
When I Feel Upset page 12
Page 12Being upset is okay. I know ways to help myself feel calm.
Big Feelings and Flexible Thinking pack cover

Print this story: Big Feelings and Flexible Thinking pack

  • When I Feel Upset, plus When the Answer Is No, When I Make a Mistake, Asking for Help, Sharing With Friends and When Plans Change
  • Every story as a full-page book (US Letter and A4), a half-page booklet and a one-page summary
  • A how-to-use page
Get the 6 stories for $7All 12 stories for $12
One-time purchase. Instant download. Secure checkout by Stripe. Two stories are free: Fire Drill and Staying With My Class.

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All 12 social stories →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use this social story?
Read it on a calm day before the situation comes up, then again just before it happens. Many children like to hear it every day for a week or two. Point at the pictures and ask what the child would do.
What age is it for?
Children of about 4 to 8, in preschool, kindergarten, first and second grade, at home or school, including autistic children and children in special education or speech therapy.
Can I print it?
Yes. The printable book, half-page booklet and one-page summary are in the Big Feelings and Flexible Thinking pack (6 stories, $7), or in both packs together (12 stories, $12).