When there are tears in the shop
A short cartoon about "not today" and a bench to sit on, 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
Lucia (4) spots a bright toy boat in the shop and reaches for it. "Not today," says Mum. Lucia starts to cry. Mum crouches beside her. "I see you really wanted it." They find a bench by the window and sit. "I really wanted that boat," says Lucia. Mum nods. "I know. I'm staying right here." Lucia leans against her arm and watches people go by.
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:
- Lucia asks for the boat and hears "not today". She cries.
- Mum crouches down, says what she sees, and doesn't argue or hurry.
- They sit on a bench together. In this example, the answer stays no, and Mum stays close.
- Nobody buys the boat, and nobody is scolded.
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 Lucia see in the shop? What did Mum say?
- Where did they sit? What did Mum do?
- When you want something and the answer is not today, what would you like to do? 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
- Zubby isn't for the middle of a shop trip. Watch together on a calm day.
- A cartoon can't change what happens in the shop.
- 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.