When it's hard to leave the game
A short cartoon about leaving the swings, with your child as the hero. 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
Jonah (5) is on the swing at the park. "Two more pushes, then we go," says Dad. Jonah's face crumples. "I wanted more swings." Dad sits down beside him. "You wanted to stay." Jonah nods. "Shall we wave goodbye to the swing?" Jonah waves. "See you next time," he says, and takes Dad's hand. He is still a little sad, and Dad lets him be.
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:
- Dad gives a warning before it is time to go.
- Jonah says what he feels in plain words, and Dad names it back without arguing.
- Jonah waves goodbye to the swing, and the goodbye is his own.
- Jonah is still a little sad when the story is over. The story lets him be.
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 Jonah want more of?
- What did Dad say? What did Jonah wave to?
- When it's time to go, what would you like to say goodbye to? You choose.
Use the ones that feel right. Skip any you like.
What a cartoon can and can't do
- A cartoon can't make leaving easier on the day. Some goodbyes stay hard.
- 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.