🌟 the brave shake-off — finding calm after the dust storm 🌀

a story about visible regulation, body trust, and finding your way back to calm

a playful and empowering story that normalises shaking, flapping, and other nervous system movements as natural ways to return to calm. inspired by polyvagal theory and co-created in therapy, this episode helps kids understand that their shake is a superpower — not something to hide.

🎧 listen to the episode

📝 about this episode

milo is a curious young meerkat who sometimes flaps and shakes when big feelings bubble up. one day, after a loud sound sends his body into a swirl of energy, milo tries to hide his shaking — until he meets zara the zebra, a calm and wise guide who knows exactly what’s going on.

through zara’s gentle wisdom, milo learns that shaking isn’t something to stop — it’s something to honour. together, they explore how animals “shake off” fear to return to calm, and how milo’s body already knows the way back to his safe, connected self.

this story gently introduces concepts from polyvagal theory in a child-friendly way, using nature-based metaphors and movement to celebrate visible regulation strategies like shaking, flapping, and bouncing.

💭 reflection questions

– what did milo learn in this story?
– how did milo’s feelings change from the beginning to the end?
– have you ever felt a big feeling that made your body move?
– what helps your body come back to calm?

💛 note for grown-ups

this story was shaped with a brave spark who commented that autistic children flap and shake their hands. rather than labelling it as a behaviour to stop, we explored it as a body-led way of releasing stress and returning to regulation.

this episode uses metaphor and character play to model the concept of nervous system discharge. it’s especially relevant for neurodivergent kids who use movement as a regulation strategy — affirming that these moments are wise, not wrong.

you might hear new language in your home after this episode: my shake is my brave.

💡 therapy tips to try

– introduce your own “shake-off” ritual at home — a silly dance, a shimmy, or a bounce break
– model your own movement-based regulation: “i’m going to do a little shake to let that go”
– talk about animals who shake to feel safe — e.g. zebras, dogs, even ducks!
– let your child show you their “brave shake” and name it with pride
– create a safe space for body-led movement without correction or redirection

💡 a gentle note

these therapy tips were created with the particular brave spark who helped shape this story in mind. your child’s needs may be different, so it’s always a good idea to check in with their therapy team. the good news? these ideas can do no harm — and they might even spark some fun, connection, or curiosity along the way 🌟

🎧 credits

✍️ written by:
trust children and the kids we support (with a sprinkle of ai magic)

🎙️ voice:
the brave sparks team

🎛️ sound mixing:
brave sparks team

🎶 music:
serene acoustic guitar melodies by LolaMoore — freesound.org/s/768424 — 🎧 attribution 4.0

🔊 sound effects include:
🌿 african vibes by CarlosCarty — freesound.org/s/427026 — attribution 4.0
⚡ thunder clap by SpeedY — freesound.org/s/17054 — cc0
🚨 tension build by juskiddink — freesound.org/s/117133 — attribution 4.0
🐎 horse foley by caquet — freesound.org/s/486422 — attribution 4.0
✨ soft tinkling by elis164 — freesound.org/s/553087 — cc0
🌀 boing by magnuswaker — freesound.org/s/540788 — cc0
🤸 head spin by raaghav81 — freesound.org/s/277239 — attribution 3.0
😂 giggles by alex_hears_things — freesound.org/s/457275 — cc0
🫧 bubbles by murraysortz — freesound.org/s/192500 — attribution 3.0

🌀 part of the brave sparks podcast — co-created in therapy, shaped by the voice, needs, and strengths of neurodivergent children. 🌟

🌟 explore more brave sparks

– episode 1: the snack truce 🥕🧁
– episode 2: the toilet truce 🚽✋
– episode 3: the great big splash 💦🐉
– episode 4: awkward dog & oopsie kitty 🐶🐱
– full episode library