Embarrassment

Hi. I'm Embarrassment. I’m that hot, red-faced feeling you get when you do something silly and other people see. I make your cheeks feel warm and make you want to hide in your shirt.

I visit everyone. I might show up when you trip in the lunch line and your tray clatters, or when you call your teacher 'Mom' by mistake. Suddenly, your tummy feels fluttery and you wish you were invisible. That’s me.

But I don't have to stay long. You can help me leave by taking a deep breath. It also helps to giggle and say 'oops!'. Remembering that everyone makes mistakes is another way to help me go. A friend giving you a smile makes me shrink right away.

I’m not trying to be mean. I'm just a feeling that shows you care what others think. I go away quickly, and soon you're back to playing and learning. I'm a normal part of being a kid.