Harry and Leo's Big Fight

Harry and Leo's Big Fight

Harry and Leo were best friends. Sometimes they played at Harry’s house. Other times they played at Leo’s house.

At Harry’s house, they liked to play outside because Harry’s house had a big yard. They would run around and around and around until they got dizzy and fell over laughing.

When they were at Leo’s house, they liked to play board games. Leo had a whole shelf full of fun board games to play.

One time at Leo’s house, when they were playing a board game together, Harry got upset. “You can’t do that,” Harry yelled, “It’s not fair!”

“It is fair,” Leo said, “It’s my house so I make the rules!”

Leo’s mom heard the yells and asked what was wrong, but Harry was too upset to use words. Leo’s mom called Harry’s mom to come pick him up.

On the way home, Harry’s mom asked, “What happened between you two?” Harry looked out of the window and didn’t answer.

At home, Harry’s mom put some cookies on a plate to share. “I’m sorry you didn’t have fun with Leo today, do you want to talk about it?” Harry sat quietly in his chair and ate three cookies.

After the cookies were gone, Harry’s mom asked “How are you now, Harry?” Harry said, “I am okay”, but his mom could tell he was still upset.

Later that night, when Harry was in his PJs, his mom sat down with him to read a story.

“Once upon a time, a young boy named Harry had a big fight with his best friend Leo. Harry was so upset that he couldn’t talk for ten years.” “That’s not true, I can talk!” Harry said. “Oh, I’m sorry,” said his mom, “I must have read it wrong. Let me read it again.”

“Harry was so upset that he didn’t know how to share his feelings.” “I know how!” Harry said. “Oh, is that true?” His mother asked. “YEAH,” said Harry.

“I feel some things, but I don't understand it” he said. “It’s okay if you don’t have a word for all of your feelings,” said his mom, “Part of my job as your mom is to help give you words for those feelings.” “Why do I need words?” asked Harry. “There are lots of ways to share how we feel,” said his mom, “words can make it easy for others to understand us. Then they can also help us feel better.”

“I want to feel better,” Harry said quietly, “Can you help me feel better?” “I would love to help you feel better!” said his mom. “Maybe we can start by drawing a picture?” “YEAH”, said Harry.

So they got the crayons and markers and pencils and paints and five different colors of paper. Harry began to draw and paint and mark and the room became quiet except for the sound of his pencil on the paper.

“IM DONE”, Harry said, and showed his drawing to his mom.

“Wonderful!” she said. “Can you tell me about it?”

Harry said, “Well, this is me and this is Leo and this is the game we played.” “What about this big cloud?” His mom asked, “What is that?” “That is because I'm angry at Leo because he didn’t follow the rules.” “Oh, that makes sense. It doesn’t look like much fun to feel that.”

“Mom, how do I not be angry anymore?” “Well, first you can take a deep breath” So they took a deep breath.

“What next?” “Now let’s say something nice about Leo.” “But he BROKE the RULES!” said Harry. “Yes, and do you know why he broke the rules?” “No.” “Do you feel confused?”

Harry nodded, with a tear running down his cheek. “ What do you think we can do to help that?” “Can we ask Leo why he broke the rules?” “I think that’s a great idea! Let’s try that tomorrow.”

His mother carried him to bed and tucked him in. “Mama, I’m scared we can’t be friends anymore.” “Oh, I think you and Leo will be just fine. We’ll fix it all up tomorrow morning, I promise.” Harry felt a little bit better. He didn’t feel angry anymore, just confused and felt hope that Leo could still be his friend.

The next morning, after breakfast, the doorbell rang. It was Leo! And Leo’s mom! Leo and Harry looked at each other through the doorway, then stared at the floor. “I’m sorry for breaking the rules,” Leo said. His mother added, “Leo has been having a hard time recently and when that happens it can be hard to follow the rules.” “That makes perfect sense,” said Harry’s mom, “Don’t you have trouble following the rules when you feel upset, Harry?”

Harry nodded and said “I’m sorry too, Leo, I hope we can still be friends.” Leo looked up at him and said “Yes, I want to be friends.” Harry smiled and turned to his mother, “Can we go outside now? I feel so much better.” “Have fun!” she said, but Leo and Harry were already in the yard, chasing each other in circles.