A Storytime CBT workpacket for kids who get overwhelmed by frustration, thought troubles, and big reactions. Uses Jalen’s story to teach thought checks, the STOP skill, the 5-minute bargain, naming feelings, 4-7-8 breathing, and choosing a calmer response.
Jalen and the Big Feelings is for kids who explode, shut down, yell, slam things, or feel taken over when frustration gets too big. Through Jalen’s story, children learn to spot thought troubles like all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, and mind reading, then practice tools like the STOP skill, the 5-minute bargain, naming the feeling, breathing, and asking for help.
Want a fuller regulation toolkit? Pair this with Big Feelings, Big Skills or STOP · NAME · BREATHE for more practice with pausing, naming feelings, and choosing what to do next.
STORYTIME CBT · BIG FEELINGS WORKPACKET
This short workpacket uses Jalen’s story to teach kids how frustration can hijack the brain, how thought troubles make problems feel bigger, and how coping tools help the thinking brain come back online.
Help kids feel the feeling without letting it win
Jalen’s Story
A relatable story about frustration, homework, feeling stuck, and not knowing how to stop the “volcano” once it starts.
Thought Troubles
Introduces all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, and mind reading in child-friendly language.
Thought Check
Teaches kids to write down the thought trouble, ask whether it is 100% true, and replace it with something kinder and more accurate.
Coping Toolbox
Includes the STOP skill, 5-minute bargain, naming the feeling, and 4-7-8 breathing.
Practice Zone
A reflection page where kids identify a frustrating situation, spot the thought trouble, choose a more helpful thought, and pick tools for next time.
Grown-Up Guidance
Includes tips for parents, caregivers, teachers, and clinicians on validating feelings, redirecting behavior, modeling regulation, and practicing tools when calm.
This workpacket is a psychoeducational CBT support resource and is not a substitute for mental health treatment, ADHD evaluation, learning evaluation, occupational therapy, school evaluation, crisis care, or individualized clinical support. If emotional reactivity is frequent, intense, aggressive, or significantly impairing daily functioning or safety, consult a licensed professional.