Children’s Story: “This Is the House That Jack Built” - A Story About Big Feelings and Wobbly Senses

Hi there!

This story is based on something I wrote for grown-ups. But I turned it into a kid’s version—just for you.

Sometimes, kids feel big feelings.

Sometimes the world is loud, confusing, or too fast.

Sometimes grown-ups don’t stop to explain.

That can be really frustrating.

This story helps explain why—and what we can do about it.

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Have you ever heard the rhyme “This is the House that Jack Built”?

It starts like this:

This is the house that Jack built.

This is the malt that lay in the house that Jack built…

And then comes a rat, a cat, a dog, and more! Each new thing adds to the story. It gets kind of messy.

Let’s stop for a second.

Do you know what malt is?

Malt is a kind of grain, like wheat or barley. People use it to make cereal, bread, and drinks like root beer.

The rhyme doesn’t explain that.

It just says “malt” and keeps going.

And that’s how life can feel for some kids.

You hear a word you don’t know.

You miss a step.

But everyone else keeps talking… like nothing happened.

That can feel scary, or annoying, or unfair.

Now imagine your body is the house in the story.

But your house isn't like Jack's.

It's not about what's lying around inside.

It's built on the foundation for how you feel and understand the world.

Your senses!

Your senses tell you what’s happening.

You hear sounds.

You feel your clothes.

You know when you’re hungry or tired.

You know where your arms and legs are.

When those messages are clear, your brain feels safe.

But sometimes, the messages get mixed up.

Maybe sounds are too loud. Or they come and go.

Maybe your shirt feels scratchy. Or your pants hurt.

Maybe you don’t know if you’re hungry or just upset.

Maybe your body feels floaty or tingly or weird.

When this happens, your brain can’t make a good plan.

It gets confused.

It feels wobbly.

And then—you might act out without meaning to.

Some kids shout.

Some kids hide.

Some kids try to control everything.

Some kids freeze.

Other people might say you’re being “bad.” But really? You’re doing the best you can.

Your body is trying to stay safe.

And sometimes people don’t see that.

They say, “Everything looks normal.”

But they’re only seeing one part of the story.

The good news is: you’re not broken.

You don’t need to be punished.

You need to be understood.

We can make sounds feel better—with quiet time or special headphones.

We can help clothes feel better—with soft shirts and no itchy tags.

We can help your body feel strong—with movement, deep breaths, and breaks.

We can show you what we mean—with pictures, signs, and kind words.

And we can give you more time—to think, to feel, and to try again.

Because your house—the one you’re building—can be strong.

It just needs the right tools.

And someone who believes in you.