Shame is like when you have a special balloon inside your heart. This balloon gets bigger when you feel like you did something wrong or when someone makes you feel bad about yourself. It feels heavy and makes you want to hide. It’s like having a cloud that follows you around, making it hard to see the sunshine. Sometimes, when you feel shame, it’s like you have a secret that you don’t want anyone to know because you’re worried they might not like you anymore.

Think of shame like a small turtle that wants to hide in its shell. When you feel shame, you might want to hide just like that turtle. But remember, everyone feels shame sometimes, and it’s okay to talk about it. Talking about it can help the turtle come out of its shell and feel better.

Shame can also feel like a big, heavy backpack full of rocks. Each rock is a worry or a mistake you think you made. Carrying it around all the time can make you tired. But sharing your worries with someone you trust can help take some rocks out of the backpack, making it lighter and easier to carry.