[Elliot](2ZPXGGPS) loved to laugh. He laughed at jokes, at funny pictures, and sometimes even at things no one else found funny. Lately, though, his laughter started at the wrong times—like in the middle of math class! He just couldn’t stop.

“[Elliot](2ZPXGGPS),” said [Mrs. Porter](J5GDRR3N), his teacher, “it’s important to focus right now. Your laughter is disrupting the class.” [Elliot](2ZPXGGPS) tried to stop, but it was like there was a tickle in his brain he couldn’t control!

After class, [Mrs. Porter](J5GDRR3N) gently said, “[Elliot](2ZPXGGPS), I think you might need some help managing your impulses. Why don’t we visit [Ms. Bloom](L3KHMTWB), the school guidance counselor?” [Elliot](2ZPXGGPS) nodded nervously but agreed.

[Ms. Bloom](L3KHMTWB) was sitting in a cozy room filled with beanbag chairs and books about feelings. She was warm and welcoming. “Hi, [Elliot](2ZPXGGPS)!” she said. “Sometimes our brains get too excited and make it hard to control ourselves. Let’s try to figure this out together.”

[Ms. Bloom](L3KHMTWB) explained, “When you feel that tickle that makes you want to laugh, try taking a deep breath. Let’s practice.” [Elliot](2ZPXGGPS) felt silly but tried taking a big, slow breath, just like she showed him.

Next, [Ms. Bloom](L3KHMTWB) shared another strategy. “Imagine a pause button in your brain. When you feel like laughing at the wrong time, press that button in your mind and count to five.” [Elliot](2ZPXGGPS) mimicked pressing a pretend button on his forehead.

The next day in class, [Elliot](2ZPXGGPS) felt the tickle in his brain again. He wanted to laugh, but he remembered [Ms. Bloom](L3KHMTWB)’s tips. He took a deep breath and pressed his invisible pause button. It worked! He smiled to himself, feeling proud.

After class, [Mrs. Porter](J5GDRR3N) said, '[Elliot](2ZPXGGPS), I saw you tried really hard today. Great job!' [Elliot](2ZPXGGPS) beamed. He felt like he’d just discovered a superpower for controlling his laughter.

That evening, [Elliot](2ZPXGGPS) told his parents about what [Ms. Bloom](L3KHMTWB) had taught him. They were so proud of him for trying something new and thanked him for being open to learning. 'I think I’m going to be the laughing expert now!' [Elliot](2ZPXGGPS) joked.

From then on, [Elliot](2ZPXGGPS) used his new strategies whenever he needed them. Sure, he still loved laughing, but now he knew when it was the right time. And that felt pretty awesome.