When there are tears at the store
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 store and reaches for it. "Not today," says Mom. Lucia starts to cry. Mom 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. Mom 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.
- Mom 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 Mom 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 store? What did Mom say?
- Where did they sit? What did Mom 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 store trip. Watch together on a calm day.
- A cartoon can't change what happens in the store.
- 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.