Frustration

Hi there. My name is Frustration. I'm that tight, hot feeling you get when you try super hard to do something, but it just won’t work. I am the feeling you get when your shoelaces get into a knot that you can't untie. You might also feel me when you can't get the puzzle piece to fit where you think it should go. I show up when things are tough.

I visit everyone, not just you. You might feel me when you're learning to ride your bike and you keep wobbling and almost falling. Or when you are building the tallest block tower ever, and it suddenly tumbles down all over the floor. I'm that feeling that makes you want to shout 'I give up!' and stomp your feet. Sometimes I make you feel like crying because what you want to do feels impossible. I'm just a sign that you are trying your best at something new or difficult.

When I get really big, it can be hard to think clearly. That's a good time to take a break and let me calm down. You can take three big, slow breaths—in through your nose and out through your mouth like you are blowing out a candle. You could also ask a grown-up for a little help, or try looking at the problem in a new way. Sometimes just walking away for a minute helps me shrink down to a smaller size, which makes it much easier to try again with a fresh start.

Even though I can feel yucky, I'm not just here to make you feel bad. I'm here to help you grow. I show you what's important to you and help you build a superpower called patience. When you keep trying and finally get it right, you feel so proud. I help you become a great problem-solver who doesn't give up on hard things. I am still here to show you when you are learning, and my story matters because I help you get stronger every time you try.