Encouragement

"I'm not as pretty as she is..."

• Don't worry. Maybe one day you will be pretty, too...

• Everyone is pretty in their own way. I, for instance, think you have beautiful eyes. And you dress well, too.

• If you dress like her, you can be.

• Some people are pretty, other's aren't. That's just life.

"I'm not happy! I only answered two out of ten questions correctly on my test..."

• Hey, two out of ten is better than one out of ten, right?

• I guess you should study more next time.

• Well, I did better than you. I answered six out of ten correctly. Why don't you sit next to me next time and just copy my answers?

• But I know you tried your best! I will help you study - perhaps next time you will do better. So cheer up!

"I'm really upset. Michael won't let me play football with him."

• Don't be upset. Why don't you come play with us then? We should all play together, after all...

• That's not nice. Let's think of how we can be mean to him...

• Let's get revenge on him. At lunch time, we won't let him sit with us.

• Why do you want to play with him anyway?

"I'm really sad. Because of this pandemic, I won't be allowed to visit my grandparents in Spain over the holidays."

• Don't be sad. Wouldn't you rather go somewhere else anyway?

• I understand. These aren't easy times. But don't worry... You will see your grandparents again. In the meantime, you can chat with them online or send them a letter. Why don't we write one together?

• I think it's better to stay in London anyway. There's lots more to do in this city.

• I went to Spain last year. It was lots of fun! Although my mum did get quite sunburned on the beach.

"I'm really hungry and tired. I don't want to be here anymore."

• I know you're hungry and tired, but it's almost lunchtime. Hang in there... we'll be eating together in just a few minutes. Then we can play in the playground... I know you'll have much more energy then.

• Oh, be quiet and stop complaining! Who cares?

• Me too. If only I could have a cheeseburger and some crisps. Maybe some chocolate ice-cream for dessert as well.

• You know what I like to do when I'm hungry? Go to the kitchen and fix myself a sandwich.