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Madden's Morning Adventure

Madden's Morning Adventure

Madden wakes up and feels a little worried about the day ahead. By following her morning routine and using a special breathing trick, she feels ready and calm. This story shows how Madden starts her day feeling good!

6 min read8 pagesFebruary 21, 2026
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8 pages · 6 min read read

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1

My eyes open. The sun is coming through my window. It is morning! My dinosaur posters look bright and happy. But my tummy feels a little worried about the day.

2

I feel worried, so I use my special breathing trick. I breathe in slowly for 4 counts, hold for 2 counts, and breathe out slowly for 6 counts. I do this three times. My body feels calmer now because the slow breathing helps my nervous system relax.

3

I stretch my arms up high. My body feels ready to move. Time to get out of bed!

4

I look at my clothes. I pick a red shirt because I like red and it makes me feel brave. I pick blue pants because blue is fun and helps me feel calm.

5

I put on my red shirt. It feels soft on my skin. I put on my blue pants. Now I am dressed!

6

Mom Keisha calls from the kitchen. 'Breakfast is ready!' The smell of food comes to my nose. My tummy feels hungry.

7

I walk to the kitchen. There is cereal, toast, and fruit on the table. I sit down in my chair.

8

I eat my breakfast because food gives my body energy to play and learn. My mouth is happy. I used my breathing trick, got dressed, and now I am eating a healthy breakfast. This is a great way to start my day!

Social Story Methodology

Why This Story Works

Madden's Morning Adventure uses Carol Gray's Social Story format to normalize the physical and emotional experience of waking up with anxiety, then immediately teaches a concrete coping strategy (4-2-6 breathing) before moving through the routine. This sequencing helps children with anxiety understand that worried feelings are manageable and don't have to derail the day—a powerful reframe for kids who often catastrophize about mornings.

Carol Gray Methodology Evidence-Based Free to Print & Share

Story Structure

How It's Written

Sentence Types

Voice & Perspective

Story Structure

Practical Guidance

Ways to Use This Story

Practice Breathing Before Mornings

Read Story Right After Waking

Let Him Pick His 'Brave' Clothes

Revisit on Tough Mornings

Celebrate Small Morning Wins

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