Grown-Up's Guide
Pip's Feelings Club · Episode 6: Can I Play?
"Can I play too?"Watch first, then ask
"Okay. I'll find something else."When a friend says "not right now"
"Not right now" isn't "never".And it doesn't mean they don't like you
The steps from the episode
Watch for a moment to see how the game works → Ask in a friendly voice: "Can I play too?" → Join in the way they are playing. If the answer is "not right now", say "Okay. I'll find something else." In the episode Rory says "not right now" and does not change his mind. Pip is a bit disappointed, and then she enjoys a puzzle. Asking well does not always get a yes.
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. Let them pick the better ending themselves, then ask why. Finish with a play card.
What to talk about
Sheet
Ask them
Do together
Can I Play?
"What did Pip do before she asked?"
"How did Rory feel when Pip grabbed?"
"Which ending felt better? Why?"
Say the words in a friendly voice, then a grabby voice. Which gets a yes?
Not Right Now
"What did Rory say?"
"How did Pip feel? What did she say?"
"Does Rory still like Pip?"
Think of three "something else" things to do at school or at the park.
When they want to join in
1. "Let's watch first. What are they playing?"
2. "What could you say?" Practise it quietly.
3. Stay close, and let them do the asking.
When the answer is no
"That's disappointing. You asked so nicely."
"Not right now doesn't mean never."
"What else could we find to do?"
Do it out loud yourself
"That looks fun. Can I play too?"
If they say no: "Okay. Maybe later."
"I'm busy right now. You can help me soon."
Catch them doing it well
"You watched first. That was clever."
"You asked in such a friendly voice."
"You said okay, and found something else."
Try to avoid
Doing the asking for them every time.
Making the other child say yes.
Calling a child mean for saying no.
Every day (2 minutes)
At play time: ask to join their game.
Now and then, give a kind "Not right now."
Notice it when they say, "Okay."