About frustration
Frustration is the feeling of wanting to do something and not being able to do it yet. Little ones meet it many times a day: a shoe that won’t go on, a tower that keeps falling, a step that is just too tall. It often comes out as crying, stomping, or giving up.
In this episode Pippy tries and tries to jump up the tallest step. She can’t, and her frustration shows in her body before she has any words for it.
Spot the clues
Frustration usually shows in a child’s body before it comes out in words: fists, a stamp, a shove at the thing that won’t work. In the episode the narrator points to Pippy’s clue, the tip of her tail flicking back and forth. Spotting a clue on a cat is a gentle way in. Afterwards you can ask, “What does your body do when you feel frustrated?”
Name it
Once the clues are spotted, the narrator names the feeling: “That feeling is called frustrated.” A name gives your child a word to reach for instead of a stomp. You can use it at home too: “Your hands are squeezed tight. I think you might be feeling frustrated.”
Try the Big Cat Stretch
Carrot shows Pippy the Big Cat Stretch, and the narrator invites your child to do it with her. It’s a long reach, one slow breath, and a good shake. Doing it together, and using the same words each time, makes it easier to remember when a big feeling comes.
One step at a time
Pippy doesn’t make it up the stairs because the steps get smaller. She makes it because Carrot climbs beside her, one step at a time. When your child is stuck, staying close and breaking the job into small steps can help in the same way.
