The Knocked-Over Cup
Mia was reaching for the crayons when her elbow knocked the cup of juice. It spilled all over the table and dripped onto the floor. Nobody had seen. Mia looked at the puddle. She could quietly move away and pretend she didn't know how it happened — or she could tell a grown-up. (Feeling words: Worried)
›Try it out
›Reflect
Mia felt worried — when we've made a mess, the worried feeling can make hiding seem easier. But it was an accident, and accidents happen to everyone. The honest thing is to tell a grown-up, even though it feels a bit scary. Owning up to an accident is brave, and grown-ups are almost always kind about spills — they'd much rather be told than find a sticky puddle later. Telling the truth means the mess gets cleaned up, and the worried feeling goes away.
Accidents happen to everyone. The honest thing is to tell a grown-up, even when you're worried. Owning up to an accident is brave, and grown-ups are usually kind about it. Telling the truth gets the mess sorted and the worried feeling gone.
Mia took a breath and found Dad. "I knocked the cup over by accident. I'm sorry." Dad smiled. "Thank you for telling me — accidents happen. Let's clean it up together." They mopped the puddle with a cloth, and it was sorted in a minute. Dad gave her a hug. "I'm glad you were honest." Mia felt the worried feeling melt away. Telling the truth had been easy in the end — and nothing bad had happened at all.
Had this conversation?
Mark it done to keep track of the conversations your family has had.
We're always looking for real situations to turn into new scenarios. If something like this has come up in your family, tell us about it — it might end up helping another family too.