What happens when our joy gets tangled up in fear?
In Sochu: The Anxious Poet, Sher Singh’s excitement turns into worry the moment he’s invited to share his poetry in public. What begins as celebration quickly becomes self-doubt: Will his voice shake? Will others laugh? Will he freeze?
Through a gentle unfolding of peer interactions, performance fears, and emotional storms, this story helps children (and grown-ups) explore anxiety, the need for safety, and the subtle difference between encouragement and pressure. With the support of friends who notice and care, Sher begins to confront his fear—not by pretending to be brave, but by being seen and understood.
Let these 12 breadcrumbs guide thoughtful reflection on emotional awareness, self-expression, and the courage to share your inner world.
1. When Helping Hurts
She tries to style Robert’s hair without asking—that kind of "help" can be distressing.
🙅♂️ 👉 Watch here: What is Consent? Explained for Kids
2. “Woohoo, I Got Picked!”
She is thrilled—until performance anxiety kicks in.
🎉 👉 Watch here: Performance Anxiety—Hiding in Plain Sight (PBS)
3. From Joy to Jitters
His joy fades into worry; nerves take over.
😰 👉 Watch here: Brain Basics: Anxiety for Kids
4. Mind Movies That Scare Us
His mind plays terrifying “what-ifs” before he even starts.
📽️ 👉 Watch here: Dealing With Performance Anxiety
5. Hiding the Invite
Instead of sharing, anxiety silences his excitement.
📩 👉 Watch here: Social Anxiety in Children and Teens
6. Playing Outside, Feeling Inside
While others play, Sher feels separate, trapped by worry.
⚖️ 👉 Watch here: GoSocial! Social Anxiety Animated Program
7. When Friends Notice
Julie reaches out—empathy begins.
👀 👉 Watch here: Explaining Empathy to Kids
8. Jokes That Miss the Mark
Some humor hurts—especially when no one is listening.
😬 👉 Watch here: Real Kids Talk About Coping with Anxiety
9. Naming the Blues
Friends begin to say it out loud—“Maybe he’s sad.”
🔵 👉 Watch here: Brain Basics: All About Anxiety (Part 1)
10. What If He’s Just… Scared?
Instead of jokes, the gang asks, “What’s up?”
🔍 👉 Watch here: Building Confidence in Shy and Anxious Children
11. Small Actions, Big Impact
A check-in changes everything.
💞 👉 Watch here: 5 Tips for Coping with Test Anxiety
12. Reflective Family Activities
🧊 Spotlight Freeze Game
Take turns performing silly poems or lines—if someone freezes, everyone claps!
🎭 Emotion Mask Craft
Design a “showing” mask and a “feeling” mask—discuss how they can be different.
📝 Poetry Jar
Each family member drops a line or word in a jar. Mix and recite them together.
🔗 Compliment Paper Chain
Each link carries a message of encouragement. Build it every day until an event.
🖍️ “What If…” Comic Strip
Turn worst-case fears into comics with funny twists. Laughter loosens fear!
🌿 Quiet Corner Plan
Design a calm-down space at home for when anyone feels overwhelmed.