Grown-Up's Guide
Pip's Feelings Club · Episode 19: I Wanted the Swing
"I wanted the swing... but I can do the slide!"The words to copy
"What's the next best thing?"The question in the song
"It's okay to feel that."The feeling comes first
The steps from the episode
Say what you wanted ("I wanted the swing...") → Take a breath → Find the next best thing ("...but I can do the slide!"). Pip has fun on the slide, and she still looks back at the swing and sighs. The next best thing does not make the wish go away. It gives her something good to do while she still wishes. The song: "When it doesn't go my way, I take a breath, and then I say: I wanted that, but that's okay. What's the next best thing today?"
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. Sing the song when everyone is happy, so it is easy to find on a hard day. Finish with a play card.
What to talk about
Sheet
Ask them
Do together
Next Best Thing
"What did Pip want?"
"What did she do after her breath?"
"Did she still miss the swing?"
Sing the song. Then each choose: the slide or the seesaw? Say why.
The Tree-Frog Cup
"Which cup did Pip want?"
"What did the green cup turn into?"
"What could your next best thing be?"
Pick one thing that is often not there (a cup, a seat). Plan its next best thing.
When they can't have it
1. Name it: "You really wanted the swing."
2. Breathe together. No rush.
3. "What's the next best thing?" Offer two.
When they're stormy
Too soon for choices. Stay close.
A cuddle can come first, if they want one.
Offer the two choices when they are calmer.
Do it out loud yourself
"I wanted to park close... but it's full."
"Big breath. What's my next best thing?"
"We can park here and walk."
Catch them doing it well
"You said what you wanted, calmly."
"You found a next best thing!"
"You still wished for it, and you coped."
Try to avoid
"It's only a swing." It matters to them.
Fixing it for them straight away.
Saying the next thing is just as good.
Every day (2 minutes)
Any small "no": sing the song together.
Give two choices. Let them point.
"What was your next best thing today?"