When putting on shoes is hard
A funny short cartoon about one shoe, 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
Mia (3) sits on the step with two trainers in front of her. She holds one up. "Which foot?" Grandad sets his own shoes beside hers. "Toes point the same way." Mia turns the trainer around. Biscuit the dog noses the other one, and it tips over. Mia giggles. She slides a foot in and presses the strap herself. For the second shoe she says, "Help, please." Grandad helps. Biscuit gets a pat.
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 takes one small step: she works out which shoe goes on which foot.
- Biscuit tips over the other trainer and makes it funny. Nobody is rushed or compared.
- Grandad lines his shoes up beside hers and lets her turn the trainer herself.
- For the second shoe, Mia asks for help, and Grandad gives it.
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 did Biscuit do with the shoe?
- What was Mia's first step? What did Grandad do?
- Which shoe would you like to try first next time? You choose.
Use the ones that feel right. Skip any you like.
What a cartoon can and can't do
- Every family has its own pace.
- A cartoon can't teach laces or straps, and it doesn't say how fast anyone learns. Wait for your child.
- 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.