Freddy the Fox Finds His Calm - A Children's Story

Freddy the Fox Finds His Calm

By Bill Conley  America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral to the Story:

When things don’t go our way, we can feel afraid, upset, or angry, but we always have a choice in how we respond. Throwing things, yelling, or hurting others never solves the problem and only makes things worse. Strong children learn to calm themselves with simple tools they can use anytime. Taking a deep breath helps our body relax and quiets our racing mind. Using our words instead of screams helps others understand how we feel. Taking a short break gives us space to think clearly and choose kindness. When we calm down, we can choose love instead of anger and serve others with a gentle heart.
Real strength is not in fighting but in finding peace and sharing it with those around us.

In the forest classroom, Freddy the Fox was known for his quick feet and playful grin. But sometimes, when things didn’t go his way, Freddy had a hard time staying calm.

One morning, Miss Owl handed out puzzles. “Work with your partner and see who can finish first,” she said.

Freddy worked quickly, but when a piece didn’t fit, his face grew hot. “This puzzle is dumb!” he shouted. He slammed the piece on the table.

Ruby the Rabbit scooted back nervously. “Freddy… you’re scaring me.”

Freddy’s ears drooped. He didn’t want to scare his friends. But sometimes his feelings felt so big he didn’t know what to do with them.

After class, Miss Owl called him aside. “Freddy, it’s okay to feel frustrated. But it’s not okay to throw things or yell. Today, I want to teach you three tools that will help you calm down when you feel upset.”

Freddy’s tail twitched. “Tools? Like a hammer?”

Miss Owl chuckled. “Not those kinds of tools. These are tools you carry inside you. Let me show you.”

Tool One: Take Three Deep Breaths
“When you feel upset,” Miss Owl said, “your body gets tight and your heart beats fast. Taking three slow, deep breaths helps your body relax.”

She showed him: In through the beak, hold, out through the wings. Freddy copied: in through the nose, hold, out through the mouth.

After three breaths, Freddy’s shoulders felt lighter. “Hey… that works.”

“Anytime you feel angry or afraid, take three deep breaths first,” Miss Owl said.

Tool Two: Use Your Words
“Instead of yelling or throwing,” Miss Owl continued, “tell others how you feel. Words help friends understand.”

Freddy thought about Ruby. “So instead of shouting, I could say, ‘I feel frustrated because this piece won’t fit’?”

“Exactly,” Miss Owl nodded. “When you use your words, people can help you.”

Freddy practiced with a stick: “I feel upset when the puzzle doesn’t work.” It sounded strange, but also… good.

Tool Three: Take a Short Break
“Sometimes,” Miss Owl explained, “we need space to cool off. If you feel too upset, take a short break. Count to ten, walk around, or sit quietly until you’re ready.”

Freddy tilted his head. “But won’t people think I gave up?”

“No,” Miss Owl said gently. “They will see that you are strong enough to calm yourself first, then return with kindness.”

The next day, Freddy tried the tools.

When his ball rolled into the river, he felt his anger rise. His paws clenched. His heart raced. But then he remembered: three deep breaths.

He inhaled. One. Two. Three. His body relaxed. “Okay,” he said, “I’ll find another way.”

When Ruby bumped into him by accident, he almost shouted. But he remembered: Use your words.

“I feel upset when you bump me,” he said. Ruby apologized, and they were friends again.

And when Max the Monkey teased him, Freddy wanted to roar. Instead, he remembered: Take a break. He walked away, counted to ten, and came back calm.

“Wow,” Freddy whispered. “The tools really work.”

Weeks later, Freddy noticed something else: when he used his tools, other animals started using them too. Ruby took deep breaths when she dropped her lunch. Benny the Bear used his words when he felt left out. Even Max took a short break instead of teasing.

Miss Owl smiled. “Freddy, by learning to calm yourself, you’ve helped the whole class. Real strength isn’t about fighting. It’s about choosing peace, kindness, and love.”

Freddy’s chest swelled with pride. For the first time, he wasn’t afraid of his feelings. He knew he could handle them—with his three tools.

And from then on, Freddy the Fox was known not just for his quick feet, but for his calm heart.

Moral to the Story Poem:

When anger comes and feelings rise,
Take three deep breaths and close your eyes.
Use gentle words so friends can hear,
The truth inside your heart is clear.
Take a short break, then try again,
Return with peace, choose love, my friend.
Strong hearts don’t shout, throw, or fight,
They shine with kindness, calm, and light.

Discussion Questions:

1.     What were the three tools Freddy learned to use when he felt upset?

2.     How did Freddy feel after using his tools instead of yelling or throwing things?

3.     Can you think of a time when you could use one of these tools to help you calm down?