When joining a game feels hard
A short cartoon about watching first and asking one question, with your child as the hero. Watch it together at a calm time, 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
Priya (6) stands at the edge of the playground, watching two children turn a skipping rope. Mum sits on the bench. "You can watch as long as you like," says Mum. After a while, Priya says, "I could turn the rope." "Shall I walk over with you?" Priya nods. At the rope, she asks, "Can I turn too?" One child says, "You can turn first." Mum steps back and waves from the bench.
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:
- Priya watches first, for as long as she likes.
- She says what she would like to do: turn the rope.
- Mum walks over with her, and then steps back.
- Priya asks the question herself. In this example, the other child says she can turn first.
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 game was Priya watching?
- What did Priya say she could do? What did Mum do?
- When you'd like to join a game, would you like to watch first, ask, or have me walk over with you? You choose.
Use the ones that feel right. Skip any you like.
What a cartoon can and can't do
- Another child may say not now. A cartoon can't decide how anyone answers.
- 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.