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Zubby, home

When your child has two homes

A short cartoon about a bag and a bear that go between two homes, 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 packs a small blue rucksack at a lamplit kitchen table beside his mum, a teddy bear peeking from the top, and a glowing firefly lights the bear.
Illustration, made with AI

Let's imagine

Example, made with AI

Leo (5) packs his small blue bag at the kitchen table. "Why doesn't Dad sleep here any more?" he asks. Mum sits down beside him. "Dad and I decided to live in two homes. It isn't because of anything you did." Leo is quiet. He picks up his bear. "Can Bear go to Dad's?" "Yes. Bear can go in the bag. You have a home here and a home there." Leo hugs his bear. "I'll miss you." "I'll miss you too," says Mum.

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 asks a plain question and gets a plain answer.
  • Mum says the grown-ups decided, and that it isn't because of anything Leo did.
  • Leo chooses what goes in his bag: his bear.
  • He says he'll miss Mum, and she says it back. Nobody is blamed.
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 Leo ask Mum? What did she say?
  2. What did Leo put in his bag?
  3. What would you like to take with you, or leave here? 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.
  • Research on preparing children for changes at home is thin. This story is one way to start the talk.
  • Every family looks different. A cartoon can't say what is right for yours, or give advice about 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.
  • Zubby is a family storytelling tool, not a medical, therapeutic or educational treatment. Zubby cartoons have not been tested in studies.