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When a hospital stay is coming up

A short cartoon about packing a bag and what the grown-up knows so far, 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 boy and his dad sit on a bed in a lamplit room beside a small open bag, the boy tucking a pebble in beside his teddy bear, and a glowing firefly rests on the bag.
Illustration, made with AI

Let's imagine

Example, made with AI

Leo (5) is packing a small bag for tomorrow. Dad sits on the bed beside him. "Here is what I know," says Dad. "We go to hospital in the morning. A nurse will meet us. When I know more, I'll tell you." Leo thinks. "Can I bring my pebble?" "Yes." Leo tucks the pebble into the bag next to his bear. "I want to ask more questions," he says. "Ask me any time," says Dad. The lamp stays on.

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:

  • Dad says only what he knows, and says he will tell Leo more when he knows more.
  • Leo chooses what goes in the bag: a smooth pebble and his bear.
  • Leo says he has more questions, and Dad says he can ask any time.
  • The story ends with the lamp on and Dad beside Leo. It does not say how the stay will go.
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 Dad tell Leo he knew?
  2. What did Leo put in his bag?
  3. What would you like to ask, or to bring with you? You can tell me, show me, or skip it.

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

What a cartoon can and can't do

  • If you are worried about your child's sleep, eating, fears or behaviour, talk to your child's doctor, nurse or teacher.
  • Zubby does not replace the preparation your child's health team gives.
  • A cartoon can't tell your child what will happen. Your child's health team knows what to expect and how to explain it.
  • 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.