Grown-Up's Guide
Pip's Feelings Club · Episode 5: Papa's Storm
"Squeeze... and flop!"Stiff robot, then cooked spaghetti
"I need to calm my body."Papa, before he tries again
"Grown-ups get storms, too."And they have calm-down tricks
The steps from the episode
Stand up tall → Squeeze hands, arms and face like a stiff robot → Hold it for a slow count of three → Flop like cooked spaghetti. Do it twice. Big feelings make muscles tight; squeezing harder and then letting go helps the body soften. In the episode the storm is Papa's, and Papa chooses the tool. Afterwards he is "still a bit annoyed", but he can think again.
Doing a sheet
Watch the episode together first: scan the code on Sheet 1, or visit pipsfeelingsclub.com. A calm 10 minutes, never as a consequence. You read the comic, your child does the pens. Do the squeezes for real as you go: this one is learned with the body. Finish with a play card.
What to talk about
Sheet
Ask them
Do together
Squeeze and Flop
"What did Papa's body look like in his storm?"
"Who chose to do Squeeze and Flop?"
"Was Papa all happy afterwards?"
Do one squeeze and flop together. "Where do you feel floppy?"
Flop Like Spaghetti
"Why was Rory cross?"
"What did Pip ask before she helped?"
"Did the boat float straight away?"
Think of one time this week when a squeeze and flop might help.
When their body is tight
1. Name it: "Your body looks tight."
2. Ask: "Want to squeeze and flop with me?"
3. Do it twice. Then go back to the problem.
When they're stormy
Ask first. If it's a no, just stay close.
Do a slow squeeze and flop yourself, nearby.
Still too big? A cuddle or a quiet spot first.
Do it out loud yourself
"I feel frustrated. I need to calm my body."
Squeeze and flop where they can see you.
Your storm is yours to calm, never their job.
Catch them doing it well
"You squeezed and flopped by yourself!"
"Your shoulders look softer now."
"You tried again after your flop."
Try to avoid
Using it as an order: "Go and flop!"
Expecting the cross feeling to be all gone.
Asking them to calm you down or cheer you up.
Every day (2 minutes)
Bath time or bedtime: "Robot, then noodle!"
Squeeze for three, then flop. Do it twice.
Each say one thing that felt tight today.