Marcus Meerkat

 

When You Might Meet Marcus


Marcus is your body’s lookout. You might notice him:

- When you feel excited about something you’re looking forward to.

- When something feels new, important or uncertain.

- When you feel worried, cross or something seems unfair.

- When there is real danger and you need help to stay safe.


Sometimes your body reacts before you can find the words. Your heart might beat faster, your tummy might flutter or your muscles might feel tight.

These signals can happen with excitement as well as worry. They don’t always mean there is danger.


With a grown-up, you can wonder:

“Is there danger, or is something feeling important to me?”

If there is danger - or you’re unsure - tell a trusted grown-up so they can help.


Take a Moment to Notice Your Body 


If you feel comfortable, pause with your grown-up and become a body detective.- Your heart: Does it feel fast, slow or somewhere in between?

- Your tummy: Does it feel fluttery, tight or settled?

- Your hands and shoulders: Do they feel tense or relaxed?

- Your whole body: Does it feel warm, wiggly, heavy or full of energy?


You don’t have to change anything. There is no right answer, and it’s okay if you’re not sure what you notice.


You could say, point or draw:

“I notice…”

“I think I might be feeling…”

“Something that feels important to me is…”

“Thank you, Marcus, for looking out for me.”

 


 

Become Marcus with our action rhyme.


Enjoy colouring Marcus together.

If your child would like to, you could talk about a time they felt excited or when something felt important, and what they noticed in their body.

They can also simply enjoy colouring.

 

Download Marcus’s Colouring Page


Helpful Language at Home and School 

 

When feelings are strong, keep your words simple and give your child time to respond. Familiar, gentle language can offer reassurance.

 

Helpful phrases

  • “I can see your body is finding this hard.”
  • “Let’s slow this down.”
  • “Would you like me close by or a little further away?”
  • “We still need to keep everyone safe. I will help you.”
  • “We can talk about what happened when you are ready.”

When your child is excited, you might say: “There’s lots of excitement in your body! What are you noticing?”

 

Language and approaches to reconsider

  • “Calm down.”
  • “There is nothing to worry about.”
  • “Use your words” when your child is struggling to speak.
  • Questioning or correcting your child in front of others, or insisting on eye contact.
  • “Your amygdala has taken over” or “Your thinking brain is offline.” Keep the focus on what your child notices and needs.

 

All feelings are welcome. Boundaries still matter.

During an intense moment, keep the boundary brief and clear: “I won’t let you hit. I will help keep everyone safe.”

Offer support and time. Later, when your child is ready, return to what happened, who was affected and how to repair.

We can be compassionate and still help children take responsibility for their actions.

 

“That moment was difficult. You are still loved, exactly as you are. We can work together to put things right.”

 

Ask your child’s teacher which phrases they use, so you can offer familiar support at home.

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