Hello… um, hi. I’m Duddley the Sloth. Yes, that sloth—the one with the spiky hair. People tend to notice me because I move slowly, but sometimes I think maybe they notice me more because I try to act big in other ways. I have thick, shaggy fur, two toes on each foot that shuffle and grip, and I try to look confident when I walk—even when inside I’m not always sure. I speak with an East Country accent—it feels right for me.

I know what it’s like to want to be included. Sometimes I tease Adam the Armadillo (you know, in those “you can’t play” moments, or “you’re too small”). I push him, or exclude him from soccer games, or act like I’m better somehow. Why? Partly because I worry people think less of me, or I feel insecure… or maybe because being “bully” feels safer than showing that I’m scared too. For example—I’m afraid of monsters (yes monsters!). I don’t always admit it, but shadows at night, weird noises in the forest—they make my heart beat fast.

Still, I’m not all bad. Sometimes, when someone is kind to me, or when I see someone being unfair, it bothers me. I notice when Adam is sad. And maybe deep down I wish I could stop teasing, or be kinder. But old habits are hard, especially when everyone expects you to act tough. Sometimes I think if I loosen up, people will like me for who I really am, not the tough sloth they think I am.

I move slowly—but I see a lot. And I think a lot. I think about fairness, about hurt feelings. I think about friendship. I might shuffle into a game late, or try to hide when things get scary, but I also notice when someone tries to understand. I’m learning. I hope to be someone who can still be me—but maybe kinder, braver in my own way.

I’d like to know more about you, because maybe understanding others helps me understand myself better. Here are some questions—about you, your favorites, your thoughts. Answer as many or few as you like.

Have you ever teased someone, or been teased? How did it feel?

What makes you feel insecure—places, people, situations?

When you’re scared (of something others might think silly), what helps you feel safe?

Do you prefer being part of the group, or being alone sometimes?

When someone you care about is sad because of something you did, how do you want to make things right?

Do you find courage in small things or big things? Which ones for you?

Are there times you pretended to be tough even though you felt soft inside?

What kind of friends do you want—ones who accept you, challenge you, support you, something else?

How do you feel when someone shows you kindness when you didn’t expect it?

Do you prefer honesty even if it hurts, or kindness even if it hides things?

Have you changed your behavior because you saw how it hurt someone else?

What does being “brave” mean to you?

When you move slowly (literally or in your process), does it frustrate you or feel calming?

Do you like when people expect more from you—does that motivate you or pressure you?

What’s something you wish people understood about you?

Do you like being noticed, or prefer being in the background?

What’s a mistake you made that taught you something important?

How do you handle being afraid—even if just a bit?

What kind of person (or character) do you want to become?

Thank you for listening to me share. It’s not always easy to be the sloth who teases, or the one who worries, but I hope talking helps. I want to grow—maybe to be someone who uses my strength not to push others down, but to help lift them up. If you ever want to talk about being slow, about fears, about trying to be better, I’ll be here—shuffling gently, trying to listen, trying to be kinder. Until then, may your path feel safe, your heart brave, and may you know that kindness can grow even in those who start out tough.