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When the flush sounds scary

A short cartoon about a loud whoosh and a place to listen from, starring your child. Watch it together at a calm time, then talk.

Try a story beginning

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.

Illustration, made with AI: a girl stands one step back from a bathroom door with her hands near her ears while her dad kneels and points to the flush button, a small dog waits in the hall, and a glowing firefly peeks out from behind its own hands.
Illustration, made with AI

Let's imagine

Example, made with AI

Mia (4) stands in the bathroom doorway. The toilet has just flushed with a big whoosh, and she jumped back. "That was loud," she says. Her dad points to the silver button. "This makes the water rush." Mia covers her ears. "I'll listen from here." Dad waits. "Shall I press it, or leave it for now?" Mia thinks. "You press. I'll stay here." Whoosh. In the hall, Biscuit wags his tail, and Mia giggles.

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 what she heard in plain words: it was loud.
  • Her dad shows her where the sound comes from, then waits.
  • Mia chooses where to stand and who presses the button.
  • The whoosh comes again, and Mia giggles from the doorway. Dad stays close the whole time.
Try a story beginning

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.

  1. What did Mia hear? Where did she stand to listen?
  2. What did Dad ask her? What did she say?
  3. When it flushes, where would you like to stand? You can show me, or skip it.

Use the ones that feel right. Skip any you like.

What a cartoon can and can't do

  • Wait for your child. A cartoon can't make a loud sound any quieter.
  • Every family has its own pace.
  • Fears are common. If fear keeps stopping your child from sleeping or doing everyday things, talk to your child's doctor.
  • 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.