Feeling Excited

Core Idea

Excited is the bubbly, can't-sit-still feeling you get when something wonderful is about to happen — like a birthday party, a trip to the park, or seeing someone you love. Excitement gives you lots of energy and makes you want to jump, wiggle, or shout.

How It's Best Learned

Talk about upcoming events that make children excited and have them show with their bodies how excitement feels. Compare excited energy to happy energy — both feel good but excited is bigger and bouncier. Practice noticing when excitement makes it hard to listen or wait, and what to do about it.

Common Misconceptions

• Confusing excitement with being naughty; having lots of energy from excitement is normal, not bad behavior.
• Thinking excitement and happiness are the same thing; excitement has more energy and is usually about something in the future.
• Believing that excitement means you do not have to follow rules; you can be excited and still be safe and kind.

Explainer

Excitement is the bubbly, bouncy feeling you get when something wonderful is about to happen. You might feel excited about your birthday party, a trip to the park, or when a favorite friend is coming over. Excited feelings fill your body with lots of energy, and it is hard to sit still — you want to jump, wiggle, dance, or shout.

Excitement is a happy feeling, but it is different from regular happiness. Regular happiness is warm and calm, but excitement is big and bouncy. Excitement is usually about something that is going to happen in the future — you know something fun is coming, and you cannot wait! That is what makes it feel so bubbly inside.

Here is something important: having lots of energy from excitement is not being naughty or bad. It is just how your body feels when something wonderful is coming. But even when you feel excited and bouncy, you still need to listen, follow rules, and be safe and kind. You can be excited AND careful at the same time.

When you feel so excited that it is hard to sit still or listen, you can try to move your body in safe ways — wiggle your fingers, jump up and down, or dance. You can also take some deep breaths to help your body feel a little calmer while still being excited. This helps you enjoy your excitement while also being safe.

Excitement is one of the most wonderful feelings! It shows you care about something good that is coming. Enjoy that bouncy, bubbly feeling, and remember to take care of yourself and others around you.