FLIPPING YOU LID NARRATIVE Upstairs and Downstairs Brain Social Story Activities

Looking for a child-friendly way to help students understand emotional regulation and what happens when they “flip their lid”? Our engaging Flipping My Lid social narrative is the perfect tool for teaching kids about their brain, big emotions, and how to calm down when they feel overwhelmed. Using simple language and explanations, our resource supports emotional awareness, self-regulation, and trauma-informed teaching in counseling sessions, classrooms, or at home.

Our story helps children explore the concepts of the upstairs and downstairs brain, and introduces powerful metaphors like the Wise Owl, Guard Dog, and Memory Elephant – making complex brain science accessible, fun, and memorable!

What’s Included:

• A complete social narrative explaining flipping your lid in kid-friendly language
• Clear breakdown of the upstairs brain (thinking) and downstairs brain (feeling)
• Introduces three brain “team players”:
  • Wise Owl – decision-maker and problem-solver
  • Guard Dog – protector and emotion detector
  • Memory Elephant – keeper of important memories

• Real-life examples and calming strategies for emotional regulation
• Suitable for individual, small group, or whole-class SEL lessons
• Designed for school counselors, psychologists, teachers, parents, carers and support professionals
• Perfect for trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming practices

This resource is ideal for helping kids understand why they sometimes lose control and what they can do to bring their “lid” back on. A must-have for any emotional regulation toolkit!