Tia Needs a Hug

"Things like hugging and taking deep breaths can remind you that you are loved and help you regain control."

In this nighttime adventure in the labyrinth, Tia's dream takes an unforeseen twist that leaves her feeling lonely and sad. When her friend Tree notices her distress, together they recognize the validity of emotions and how a gentle hug can make sad feelings feel smaller. Tia learns that friends like Tree are always there to help when things get a little tricky.

In this lesson, students learn to recognize when their emotions start to feel overwhelming, using the metaphor of a balloon filling with air. They practice calming strategies like deep breathing and self-hugging to manage big feelings and prevent emotional outbursts. Through the story Tia Needs a Hug and guided activities, students explore ways to comfort themselves and show self-kindness. The lesson encourages students to use these calming tools both at school and at home to support emotional regulation and resilience.