Speech Bubble vs. Thought Bubble

Recently I gave my students the task of creating their own comic character that displayed speech bubbles (what people hear you say) and thought bubbles (what you say that people don't hear).  This was after a couple of days of discussing adversity and what adversity they have in their lives.  We also spent time discussing different resiliencies that people use to get through difficult times or situations. 

Here is a 5th grader's list of adversities:

loneliness

divorce

immigration-why President Trump sent my dad to Mexico

parents on their cell phones - not paying attention to me

pressure of being a GT student

pressure of being the oldest and being mature

stereotypes that girls can't play sports

relying on adults that are not responsible

texting and driving (when parents do it but everyone says not to)

I was actually surprised by their response and didn't expect the things they were sharing. This is a pretty intense list of things that a 5th grader has running through their mind.

 Thought Bubble:  I'm lonely.

                                                                                 Speech Bubble: I'm fine.

 Thought Bubble:  I wish that he came to visit more.

                                           Speech Bubble:  He cares about us.  He spends some of his time with us at least.

Thought Bubble:  Why doesn't my dad show that he loves us if he says that we are the most important thing to him?

Thought Bubble:  Did my dad not love me?  Or was he cheating?
Speech Bubble:  My dad left me.  Me and my mom will never see him again.

Thought Bubble:  Why don't my mom and dad talk to each other much?

Speech Bubble: I am smart I made one mistake. Yes ma'am I'll do better next time.

Thought Bubble: I thought you were smart I didn't think you were so bad.

 Thought: I wish I knew how to make a shot the first try.

                                                            Speech: Just because we're girls does not mean anything. 

Of course, these things were shared after relationships and trust were but built within our classroom but my heart aches for them.  Some things kids just shouldn't have to think or worry about. 

What would your kids share if they shared their speech bubble vs. their thought bubble?