A simple way to explain embarrassment to children
Have you ever watched your child trip over… say the wrong thing… or suddenly realise everyone is looking at them? That horrible moment when their cheeks go red and they want the floor to swallow them up. That’s embarrassment kicking in, and rearing its ugly head.
Embarrassment is a completely normal feeling, but when it happens to children it can feel enormous. Even after the moment has passed, the feeling can linger – replaying in their minds long after everyone else has forgotten about it. Some children will happily talk it through, while others go quiet and keep it all to themselves. That can make embarrassment a tricky emotion for parents (and teachers) to help unpack and talk about with kids. Because of that, many parents find themselves asking questions like:
- How do I explain embarrassment to a child?
- How can kids deal with embarrassment?
- How do you help a child get over embarrassment quickly?
In our Jaime Time episode “Embarrassed Fish”, we explore a gentle way for children to understand embarrassment — and learn that feelings don’t last forever. This particular Jaime Time episode is a special one for us, as it was requested specifically by a parent, who was struggling to explain why we feel embarrassment and how we can overcome that feeling to their own child.
If you have any topics you’d like us to explore, please email Jaime at namaste@cosmickids.com! We’d love to hear your ideas!
What Is Embarrassment? (A Simple Way to Explain It to Kids)
Embarrassment is the feeling we get when something unexpected happens and we suddenly think everyone is noticing us.
Maybe a child:
- trips over in the playground
- answers a question wrong in class
- spills something
- says something a bit silly
Their brain suddenly goes “Oh no — EVERYONE saw that!”
That’s embarrassment.
It’s a very human emotion, and everyone feels it sometimes – children and us adults too!
The “Embarrassed Fish” Trick
In this Jaime Time episode, we imagine something special happening inside our minds. It’s essentially a visualisation technique that helps us understand how our minds work, and how we feel different emotions as they come and go. This is how the visualisation works:
Inside your mind is a pond.
And in that pond are lots of fish.
Happy fish.
Silly fish.
Excited fish.
Proud fish.
And sometimes…
an Embarrassed Fish swims by…
The important thing children learn is this:
You are not the fish.
You are the pond.
The fish appear… wiggle about for a bit… and then, they swim away.
Just like feelings.
Embarrassment might splash into the pond for a moment — but it never stays forever.
Why This Helps Kids Get Over Embarrassment
Children often feel overwhelmed by emotions because they think the feeling is who they are.
But when they understand that emotions move through us, it becomes much easier to handle them.
Instead of thinking:
“I am embarrassed.”
They learn to think:
“An embarrassed feeling is visiting.”
This small shift builds emotional resilience and confidence.
Inside Out Got This Exactly Right
If your child has seen Pixar’s Inside Out 2, they might already understand this idea.
The films show emotions like Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Embarrassment as characters inside our minds.
That’s actually a brilliant way to explain emotions to children.
Just like in the movie:
Feelings appear.
They do their job.
And then another feeling comes along.
Embarrassment is simply one of those visitors.
How Kids Can Deal With Embarrassment
When embarrassment shows up, children can try a few simple things:
1. Pause and breathe
One slow breath helps the brain calm down.
2. Remember the “Embarrassed Fish”
The feeling will swim away soon.
3. Laugh if you can
This might not always be a solution (depending on the source / cause of the feeling), but often embarrassing moments become funny stories later.
4. Keep going
Embarrassment fades much faster when we carry on.
The biggest lesson?
Embarrassment never lasts as long as it feels like it will.
Helping Children Build Emotional Confidence
Learning how to deal with embarrassment is part of growing up.
It teaches children that:
- feelings change
- mistakes are normal
- everyone experiences awkward moments
- confidence comes from continuing anyway
When kids understand that emotions move through them like fish in a pond, they become less afraid of those big feelings.
And that’s a powerful skill for life.
Watch the Jaime Time Episode: Embarrassed Fish
In this gentle Jaime Time episode, Jaime talks directly to children about embarrassment and introduces the “Embarrassed Fish” idea in a playful and reassuring way.
It’s a lovely short watch that helps kids understand their feelings and realise they’re not alone.
And remember:
The fish might splash in for a moment…
But you’re still the pond!
Namaste 💙
