When hitting happens over a toy
A short cartoon about a taken toy and a hand that swings, starring your child. Watch it together on a calm day, then talk.
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
Leo (4) is sailing his toy boat across the rug. A friend picks it up, and Leo's hand swings back to hit. His mum catches it softly. "I won't let you hit. You were still playing." Leo's face scrunches. Mum kneels beside him. "You can say, I'm still playing." Leo takes a breath and says it. His friend sets the boat down. Mum stays close.
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:
- Leo is cross when his boat is taken, and his hand swings back.
- Mum catches his hand softly and says plainly that she won't let him hit.
- She says what he was doing, and she gives him words: "I'm still playing."
- Nobody shouts and nobody is shamed. In this example, Mum stays close the whole time.
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.
- What happened to Leo's boat?
- What did Mum do, and what did she say?
- When someone takes a toy you're still playing with, what would you like to say? You can tell me or show me.
Use the ones that feel right. Skip any you like.
What a cartoon can and can't do
- Safety comes first. A cartoon can't keep anyone from getting hurt. The grown-ups nearby do that.
- Zubby isn't for the middle of a hard moment. Watch together on a calm day.
- 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.