Molly the Monkey Learns About Feelings - A Children's Story

Molly the Monkey Learns About Feelings

By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral of the Story:

Feelings are part of who we are, and every feeling has a name. We can feel happy, sad, angry, excited, scared, or proud, and that’s okay. Talking about our feelings helps us understand them and feel better. We should never hide our emotions; we should share them with love and honesty. When we understand our feelings, we learn to understand others, too. Listening, caring, and showing kindness help every heart grow strong. Emotions make us human; they help us love, learn, and live with empathy. It’s not about feeling “good” or “bad”; it’s about knowing what we feel and why.

In the treetop home of Willow Woods, Molly the Monkey sat at the dinner table with her family. She had her favorite meal, banana pancakes with honey, but tonight, she didn’t feel much like eating.

Mom noticed right away. “Molly, sweetie, you seem quiet tonight. What’s wrong?”
Molly shrugged. “I don’t know. I just feel… weird inside. Not bad. Not good. Just… something.”

Dad smiled. “Ah, that something might be a feeling. We all have them. Would you like to learn what some of them are?”

Molly nodded. Her little brother Max perked up, too. “Can I learn too? ”

Mom clapped her hands. “Of course! Feelings are something every heart has, even grown-ups. Let’s talk about some of them together.”

1. Happiness

Mom began, “Happiness is when your heart feels light and full of joy. It’s what you feel when you laugh, play, or do something kind for someone else.”
Molly smiled. “Like when I play hide-and-seek with Max?”
“Exactly,” said Dad. “Happiness makes you want to smile and share that joy with others.”

2. Sadness

Dad continued gently, “Sadness is when your heart feels heavy and quiet. It can come when something doesn’t go your way or when you miss someone you love.”
Molly’s eyes grew soft. “Like when Grandma Monkey moved to the other jungle?”
Mom nodded. “Yes, honey. Sadness reminds us how much we love someone.”

3. Anger

Mom said, “Anger is a fiery feeling that shows up when something feels unfair or wrong. It makes your body want to stomp or shout.”
Max frowned. “Like when Molly takes my toy?”
Mom chuckled. “Yes, that’s anger, but it’s important to talk, not hit or yell. We can use words to explain why we feel that way.”

4. Fear

Dad spoke softly. “Fear is when you feel unsafe or worried. It can make your tummy twist or your heart race. But remember, fear can also protect you; it helps you stay away from danger.”
Molly whispered, “Like when thunder booms too loud?”
Dad nodded. “Exactly. And when that happens, you can hold someone’s hand, take a breath, and remember you are safe.”

5. Excitement

Mom smiled. “Excitement is that bubbly feeling when you can’t wait for something special, like a birthday or a trip to the zoo.”
Molly giggled. “Or when I see my friends at school!”
“Perfect,” said Mom. “Excitement makes life sparkle.”

6. Love

Dad placed his paw over his heart. “Love is the warmest feeling of all. It’s what you feel when you care about someone deeply, like family, friends, and even your pets.”
Molly’s eyes lit up. “That’s my favorite feeling!”
Dad smiled. “Mine too.”

7. Surprise

Mom’s eyes widened playfully. “Surprise happens when something unexpected happens, like a gift or a silly joke! ”
Max giggled. “Like when you hid my cupcake and said the cat ate it!”
Mom laughed. “That’s the fun kind of surprise.”

8. Embarrassment

Dad said, “Embarrassment is when you feel shy or silly because of something that happened, like tripping or saying the wrong word.”
Molly blushed. “Like when I called Mrs. Hippo ‘Mommy’ at school!”
Mom chuckled kindly. “Yes, that’s embarrassment, but everyone has those moments. We just laugh and move on.”

9. Pride

Mom explained, “Pride is when you feel proud of something you’ve done well, like finishing a puzzle or helping someone.”
Molly puffed up proudly. “Like when I helped Max tie his shoes!”
Dad smiled. “That’s exactly it. Pride tells you you’ve done something good.”

10. Frustration

Dad said, “Frustration happens when you try hard but things don’t work out right away. It makes you want to give up.”
Molly sighed. “Like when I can’t finish my math homework.”
Mom nodded. “Yes, and that’s when you take a deep breath, try again, and ask for help.”

11. Jealousy

Mom said softly, “Jealousy is when you wish you had something someone else has.”
Molly frowned. “Like when my friend got a new backpack and I didn’t?”
Mom nodded. “That’s jealousy. It’s okay to feel it, but it’s important to be happy for others too.”

12. Lonely

Dad said, “Lonely means you feel all by yourself, even when people are around. It’s a quiet feeling that says, ‘I need a friend.’”
Molly’s face softened. “I felt that way when Max was at a sleepover and I had no one to play with.”
Mom smiled. “And what did you do?”
“I talked to Grandma on the phone,” Molly said proudly.
“That’s the perfect thing to do,” said Dad.

13. Brave

Mom said proudly, “Brave means doing something even when you feel afraid. It’s when you face your fear and say, ‘I can do this.’”
Molly grinned. “Like when I jumped off the diving board!”
Dad smiled. “That’s bravery, and you did it beautifully.”

14. Grateful

Mom said, “Grateful means feeling thankful for the good things in your life, your family, your friends, your toys, and your home.”
Molly said, “I’m grateful for pancakes and hugs.”
Dad laughed. “Two wonderful things to be grateful for!”

15. Hopeful

Dad said softly, “Hopeful means believing that good things can happen, even when life is hard. It’s what helps us keep going.”
Molly thought about it. “Like when it rains, but I believe the sun will come back out?”
Mom smiled. “Exactly, sweetheart. Hope keeps our hearts bright.”

Molly’s eyes sparkled. “Wow, there are so many feelings! How do I remember them all?”
Mom leaned close. “You don’t have to remember them all at once. Just remember that every feeling has a name, and none of them are bad. What matters is what you do with them.”

Dad added, “If you ever feel something big inside, talk to us about it. We can help you name it and understand it.”

Molly smiled and hugged them both. “I like knowing what I feel now. I think I feel… happy, proud, and loved.”
Mom laughed softly. “That’s a perfect combination, my sweet girl.”

That night, as Molly lay in bed, she whispered the names of the feelings to herself: happy, sad, mad, scared, excited, loved, surprised, embarrassed, proud, frustrated, jealous, lonely, brave, grateful, and hopeful.

Each one made her feel a little wiser. She realized feelings were not scary; they were messages from her heart, helping her understand herself and the world around her.

And before drifting off to sleep, she whispered, “Thank you, God, for all my feelings. They make me me.”

Poem:

Feelings come and feelings go.
They help our hearts to learn and grow.
Happy or sad, excited or shy,
Each one matters, low or high.
When you talk, your heart feels light.
Love and truth make all things right.
So name your feelings, one by one,
And thank God daily for everyone.

💬 Thoughtful Questions for Kids and Parents:

1.     Which of the fifteen feelings did you recognize in yourself today?

2.     Why is it important to talk to your parents when you have big emotions?

3.     What can you do to help a friend who feels sad, scared, or lonely?