When washing hair means tears
A short cartoon about water, a towel and asking for a warning, starring your child. 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
Kofi (3) leans over the sink on his step stool, and a splash of water lands on his face. "Pause." Grandma puts the jug down and holds out a towel. His rubber duck sits on the edge, away from the water. Kofi wipes his eyes. "Tell me before you pour." Grandma nods. "I will." She waits. When Kofi says "Now," she pours slowly, with her hand held like a little roof over his forehead.
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:
- Water splashes Kofi's face, and he says "Pause" in plain words.
- Grandma puts the jug down and offers a towel right away.
- Kofi asks for a warning before the water, and Grandma says she will give one.
- She waits until he says "Now." The little roof is her idea.
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 happened when the water splashed Kofi?
- What did Kofi ask Grandma for? What did she do?
- When it's hair-washing time, what would you like me to do first: tell you, show you, or hold the towel? You choose.
Use the ones that feel right. Skip any you like.
What a cartoon can and can't do
- A cartoon can't keep water off a face. Wait for your child, and tell them before you pour.
- 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 behavior, talk to your child's doctor, nurse or teacher.