When being alone in their room is hard
A short cartoon about a chair by the bookshelf and a familiar toy, starring your child. Watch it together earlier in the evening, never in bed.
An example story beginning for this moment. It is not a cartoon of your own story.
Cartoons are made with AI. You preview each one before your child sees it. Automatic checks can miss things.
Let's imagine
Example, made with AI
Mia (5) stands in the doorway of her room after supper. The lamp is on. "I don't want to be alone in here," she says. "Where will you be?" "Right there," says Dad, and points to the chair by the bookshelf. "I'll sit here with my book." Mia puts her cuddly bear beside her pillow. She looks at the chair, then at the bear. Dad opens his book. "I'm here," he says.
The characters in this example are made up. Your child can be the hero, with or without a photo.
What happens in the story
In the example above:
- Mia says in plain words that she doesn't want to be alone.
- She asks where Dad will be, and he shows her: the chair by the bookshelf, with his book.
- Mia picks where her bear goes.
- The story doesn't say what happens next. The lamp is on, and Dad is in the chair with his book.
Talk-after card
Here are three gentle questions to talk about after this example. Best watched together, then followed by a chat or a game.
- Where did Dad sit?
- What did Mia put beside her pillow?
- Where would you like the chair, the light and your favourite toy in your room? You choose.
Use the ones that feel right. Skip any you like.
What a cartoon can and can't do
- Not for watching in bed or just before sleep. Health guidance suggests turning screens off an hour before bedtime.
- Talk about your child's room in the daytime or early evening.
- Every family has its own pace.
- Each Zubby cartoon is made to be talked about together. It can't do the work of routine, patience or your child's doctor.
- If you are worried about your child's sleep, eating, fears or behaviour, talk to your child's doctor, nurse or teacher.