Once upon a time, there was a little bear named Alex.
Alex was happy most of the time, but when he got angry, he would throw big tantrums.
He would wave his arms and hit things and even people around him. Afterward, he always felt sorry, but he didn’t know how to stop it.
One day, Alex apologised to his mum. She hugged him and said,
“Let’s visit the Wise Owl. She might know how to help.”
The Wise Owl was the oldest and wisest animal in the forest. Everyone respected her.
Alex and his mum set off to her house.
On the way, Alex chatted happily with his mum about the forest, school, and his friends.
But when they arrived, the Owl wasn’t home.
They knocked on the door. No answer.
They waited outside.
Soon Alex grew bored. He walked back and forth, waving his arms.
“I don’t want to wait anymore!” he shouted. “Who says the Owl is wise? I want to go home!”
His mum said gently, “Sometimes waiting is a way to show respect.”
But Alex’s anger bubbled up. He swung his arms and accidentally hit his mum on the chest.
“Ouch!” she cried.
Alex froze. “I’m sorry, Mum! I didn’t mean to!”
Just then, the Wise Owl flew home. She welcomed them inside and gave them tea and biscuits.
Mum explained why they had come.
Alex’s eyes filled with tears.
“I don’t mean it,” he said. “My arms just don’t listen. I feel bad after every time.”
The Wise Owl looked kindly at him.
“My dear, I think I can help. Close your eyes and play a little game with me.”
Alex glanced at his mum. She nodded. He closed his eyes.
“Breathe in and out,” said the Owl softly.
“Feel the air going in… and out. Just breathe.”
“Now, notice where your anger sits inside you. Just know it’s there.”
“Your arms feel very heavy when you feel anger inside you. So heavy you can’t lift them. Just let them rest.”
“Now, say these words: Not happy.”
Alex whispered, “Not happy.”
“Say it louder,” the Owl said.
“NOT HAPPY!” Alex said it louder.
“When you say “Not Happy”, notice that your anger is going away bit by bit.” The Owl continued. “Keep saying it until you don’t feel anger anymore.”
Alex kept saying it, louder and louder, then softer and softer… until he felt calm.
“Good,” said the Owl gently. “Now lift your arms.”
Alex smiled. “I can lift them again!”
The Owl nodded. “You can open your eyes now, Alex”.
“From now on, when you feel angry, your arms will feel heavy. That means it’s time to stop and say not happy until the anger goes away. Then your arms will feel light again. That’s how you can manage your anger.”
Alex opened his eyes and grinned. “Thank you, Wise Owl!”
He and his mum walked home.
“Isn’t that an interesting way to manage your anger?” Mum asked.
Alex nodded, feeling light and happy again.
