When Feelings Say “No” — But Courage Says “Try”
Helping your child act brave, kind, or calm — even when they don’t feel like it (yet).
Sometimes, the hardest moments for kids aren’t about not knowing what to do — they’re about not feeling like doing it.
Your child might know how to take a breath, say sorry, or use their words… but when they’re scared, angry, or overwhelmed, those good choices can feel impossible.
This is where Opposite Action comes in.
This week in Thera-Scholars, Dash is showing children how to make powerful choices even when feelings are shouting something different.
What is Opposite Action?
It’s a skill that helps your child:
✅ Notice what emotion is in charge
✅ Understand what that emotion is urging them to do (e.g., hide, yell, push away)
✅ Choose an opposite action — one that helps them feel proud, safe, or connected
For example:
- When they feel like running away → they ask for help
- When they feel like yelling → they take a breath and whisper
- When they feel like saying “I can’t” → they say “I’ll try”
The magic isn’t pretending to feel okay — it’s learning to do the helpful thing anyway.
Why this matters:
Feelings are valid — but they don’t always give good advice.
Teaching Opposite Action helps kids build courage, flexibility, and emotional strength. It shows them:
🧠 You don’t have to wait to feel ready.
💪 You can act your way into feeling better.
💖 You’re stronger than your first impulse.
How to use it at home:
🎭 Act it out with toys or stories:
“What would Dash do if he felt nervous but still wanted to join the game?”
🎨 Use the Match Cards:
This week’s tool helps your child practise matching feelings with opposite actions like “stay calm,” “try again,” or “ask for help.”
🏡 Model it out loud:
“I really felt like yelling when I dropped my dinner, but I used my calm body voice instead.”
🎯 Praise the try — not just the result:
“You wanted to give up, but you stayed. That’s what brave looks like.”
Coming Up This Week:
🔁 Tuesday Tool: Opposite Action Match Cards — a fun visual set to help your child practise choosing brave, calm, or kind actions
📝 Friday Reflection: A printable check-in to celebrate when they tried a brave action (even if it was hard!)
📣 Curious how other families support Opposite Action?
Join the private Thera-Scholars group for tips, encouragement, and real-life ideas you can try right away.
🔗 Autism Thera-Scholars Carers Community
📧 info@succeedhealthcare.com.au
🌐 www.succeedhealthcare.com.au