On this special episode of the Little Kids, Big hearts podcast, LKBH host Todd Loyd has a conversation with the actor and legend Judge Reinhold.

Judge appeared on our podcast at the start of the month — exploring feelings of nervousness and practicing some ways to cope with four big-hearted kids.

Now he's back to share his OWN experiences and strategies.

It turns out that even having decades of experience as a famous actor doesn't make you immune from feeling anxious, and Judge says that's actually a good thing.

He explains:

"If you're not nervous, then you're not going to do a good job. And that's how you break down that nervousness and turn it into fuel. It's a good thing. It's going to drive you. Adrenaline can get away from you but it can also make you so sharp and make you better than you. That's that special thing that will make you better than you thought you were, that adrenaline. You have to make it your friend."

Learn more about the episode: https://playsparkler.org/feeling-nervous/

Or find more resources on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

Everyone feels nervous sometimes — whether you're a Grammy-winning performer or a kid who hasn't started Kindergarten yet!

This month, Little Kids, Big Hearts is focused on feeling nervous — what it is to feel nervous and some strategies to cope with the feeling!

Today, we're thrilled to release an original Little Kids, Big Hearts song by the amazing educator/composer Benjamin Weiner called NERVOUS. It's inspired by the words that our amazing kid guests shared on our episode "Wobbly to Wow With Judge Reinhold" and by Doechii's powerful song "Anxiety."

NERVOUS by Benjamin Weiner

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do.

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do.

I take a deep breath, and shake my hands out, too.

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do.

My palms are sweaty getting ready for a dance show.

My heart starts beating when I'm meeting someone I don't know.

Going to a new place.

You can see the feeling on my face.

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do.

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do.

I take a deep breath, and shake my hands out, too.

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do.

When my tummy's feeling funny and my hands shake,

My voice is breaking when I think I'm making a mistake.

I know my family can calm me down.

And it's better just to say it out loud.

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do.

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do.

I take a deep breath, and shake my hands out, too.

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do.

So, take a deep breath [breath],

Shake your hands out: shake, shake, shake, shake.

And take a deep breath [breath],

And shake your hands out: shake, shake, and sing

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do.

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do.

I take a deep breath, and shake my hands out, too.

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do.

Hmm...

Learn more and listen along with us!

Welcome to Storytime!

In this original story by the team at Little Kids, Big Hearts, we join Quessa, Kalini, and Karva, and their class of Qook-a-leekies on their first overnight field trip. It can be scary to be away from home ... and as the qook-a-leekies practice climbing and cope with a big storm, nervous energy grows and grows.

How will Quessa the Qook-a-leekie cope with all the big nervous feelings?

The story is voiced by host Todd Loyd and Creative Producer Christy Pusz Decatur.

Thanks for joining us for Storytime!

Visit us online (https://playsparkler.org/feeling-nervous/) or on our Youtube channel to learn more (https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts).