Excitement, disappointment, anxiety, anticipation – they are all big feelings for our little people to manage and cope with. They wash over them like waves, some crashing over them almost swallowing them up in their intensity. Others creep up slowly, without them realising and take them by surprise. And it’s our joy, privilege and challenge to experience it all with them. Here’s our story…
This story is part of our Big Feelings series.
I'm so Excited!
Tomos (aged 9):
I’ve been picked. Oh wow, I’ve actually been picked. I thought only the kids from Year 6 would get chosen but the teacher says we can take two teams, so I get to go. I actually get to go.
Mr S actually thinks I’m good enough to be part of a competition. An actual competition. I get to go to a tag rugby competition. And play.
I’m so excited I can barely speak. I’m trying to tell Mum everything but it’s all bouncing around in my head. I was picked. I was actually picked.
I am one of the chosen.
I’ve not been playing for very long, but I really, really enjoy it. I didn’t think I would get picked for the actual tournament because I don’t think I’m as good as some of the other boys. I can run fast, I know. Then there’s catching, running and avoiding all at the same time – well it’s hard to remember it all in the moment.
And sometimes I only score once or twice and some of the other boys get seven or eight. Some of them have been playing for longer than me as they started last year when they were eight. But I only joined the club when I was nine. That’s why I didn’t think I would get picked for the team.
I’m so excited I can’t really believe it. My first competition.
Hang on, Mum’s asking questions again. What do I need to wear? What do I need to take? Blah blah blah – I got picked for the team, did I tell you? The team that is going to the competition. Well one of the teams, but who’s counting? I’m just too excited.
Where is it?
Oh, this one I know. It’s at the High School.
Where at the High School?
Oh, um, one of the fields? Possibly. Probably. Seriously grown-ups get hung up on the details. Well mothers really.
She doesn’t look impressed. I know that look. She’ll be sending me round to find Mr S to ask him – so embarrassing.
Can we come and watch?
Luc wants to know. My stomach starts to sink a bit. I’m a little less excited now. It’s one thing for Mum and Dad to come and see me. They know I’ve only just started playing and Dad says I’ve been doing really well. And Mum doesn’t know a thing about tag rugby so you can be rubbish and she will still think you did amazing.
But Luc, well he will tell me if I was rubbish. Loudly. Probably in front of everyone. He is so embarrassing. And he doesn’t have a clue that he is embarrassing because he’s only 7.
I want them to come though, I think. I am really excited. But a little bit nervous too. A little bit scared. What if I am rubbish? Or let the team down? Or if I don’t score – not even once?
“Mum,” I say quietly so that Luc can’t hear. “I’ve not been playing that long, Mum, so just so you know. I might not score. You know, just in case.”
Helping Your Child Manage Big Feelings of Excitement
As well as helping children manage big feelings of excitement, here is a useful article covering how to talk to your children about other big emotions.
More Stories...
Read our next story Embracing Big Feelings of Disappointment – My First Competition .
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