Hello, friends, and welcome to Sleep Tight stories.
Bernice and Bobby have been playing at the park with friends, but Bernice got home earlier than expected.
She talks with Papa Bear over milk and cookies about why she came home.
Bobby gets bullied Bernice slowly walked up the front walkway toward the door of her small house.
She opened the door and stepped inside.
She hadn't been gone for long, just a couple of hours, And as she sat down to take off her sneakers, Cookie came prancing around the corner, surprised to see her.
Bernice, is that you?
Papa Bear called from his study in his super deep voice.
You're home early. Is everything okay?
I'm okay, Papa, Bernice replied.
She looked down at Cookie.
Hi, Cookie. I guess you're wondering why I'm home so early, right?
I was supposed to be at the park all afternoon with Bobby, Ethan and Addie, but it just wasn't fun this time, she said with a sigh.
Cookie stepped closer and cuddled in between Bernice's legs, almost like she was giving a hug in the only way she could.
The park was super fun at first, Bernice continued.
continued. They had a splash area, activities for little kids and almost grown -up ones like us, and all kinds of other stuff.
The weather was great, too.
Sunny, but not too hot.
I don't mind the heat so much. I just have to remember to drink lots of water.
It's fun to be all sweaty.
She paused. But then, some boy said really rude things to Bobby and then Bobby got upset and said rude things back.
I told them it wasn't okay and we talked to the counselor and stuff but we just weren't in the mood anymore so we went home.
Papa Bear came into the hallway.
How come you're home so early little bear?
It's a beautiful day outside and I didn't expect you back back until dinner time.
Is everything all right?
I guess so, Papa, Bernice said.
We just weren't having fun anymore, so we decided to leave. I see, said Papa Bear.
Well, I think there are still a few cookies in the cookie jar.
Why don't you come into the kitchen and tell me what happened over some cookies and milk.
Okay, Papa. Bernice gave Cookie a few more pets, put her sneakers away, and went into the kitchen.
After washing her hands, she sat down at the table where Papa Bear was putting chocolate chip cookies onto a plate.
Why don't you get started on your milk and cookies while I grab my tea, Papa Bear said as he walked back toward his study He returned a moment later sat down at the table and asked So, tell me about your trip to the park and why you don't have your usual big smile Taking a sip of milk Bernice replied I almost have a smile Papa Your cookies always help These are yummy delicious Delicious.
I'm glad you like them, little bear.
Well, after Bobby's mom dropped us off, we met up with Addie.
The park is so fun now, Papa.
It's not just the swimming pool anymore.
They had a splash pad, and the counselors were playing games with us.
There was even ice cream and freezies.
Wow! It sounds like a fun place to be.
Maybe I should go, Papa Bear said with a smile.
You could, Papa, Bernice giggled, but I'm not sure you'd like the splash pad.
You're so big you'd probably bump your head on one of the flowers that sprays water.
Papa Bear chuckled.
Before we went to the splash pad, we decided to play some games with one of the counselors.
Bobby was super excited, and so was Addie.
But you know Bobby.
When he's excited, everyone knows.
He's cool like that.
She paused, frowning.
But then this older boy, probably from another school, started saying mean things to Bobby.
He called him weird and too loud and made fun of the way he explained the game rules.
rules. Bobby got upset and told him to stop, but the boy just laughed and said Bobby wasn't smart enough to play properly.
That doesn't sound kind at all, Papa Bear said gently.
What happened next?
Bernice looked down at her cookie.
Well, Bobby tried to stand up for himself, but I could see he was really hurt.
His shoulders kind of dropped and he got quiet.
Then he said something rude back.
Something about the other boy's haircut, I think.
And then I told them both it wasn't okay to talk like that and said we should find a counselor.
That was very wise of you, Papa Bear said.
We found a counselor and she talked to the other boy, which helped.
But after that, Bobby didn't want to play anymore he just kind of kicked at the grass and kept looking at his shoes I tried telling him silly jokes and Addie even offered him part of her freezie but it didn't really cheer him up so we just sat on a bench for a while and then decided to come home pop a bear Bear nodded.
That must have been hard to watch. It was, Bernice said softly.
It made my tummy feel twisty.
I'm really proud of you, little bear, he said softly.
It's not always easy to speak up when someone's being mean, but you did, and that shows how big your heart is.
Bernice gave a small nod.
It's normal to feel upset when we see a friend being treated unkindly, Papa continued.
Words might not leave bruises, but they can still hurt just as much. And Bobby's lucky to have a friend like you, who notices when something's wrong and cares enough to help.
He paused and took a sip of tea.
Sometimes, he said, kids say hurtful things because they haven't learned how to be kind with their words yet Maybe they're feeling sad or left out or maybe something hard is going on in their life That doesn't make it okay, but it helps us understand Bernice rested her chin on the table thinking When I was little, Papa Bear said with a little smile, there was a boy who always said mean things at recess.
I found out later that things were tough at home for him.
He didn't know how to ask for help, so he pushed people away with his words.
But what helped me the most was remembering to lead with kindness and knowing I could always talk to someone I trusted.
Tomorrow, Papa said, maybe you can check in with Bobby.
You don't have to fix everything, but sometimes, just knowing someone cares makes all the difference.
Bernice nodded. I think I'll draw him a funny picture.
That helps me sometimes.
That sounds just right, little bear.
I think I might go outside and work in our garden for the rest of the afternoon, Bernice said, standing up from the table.
I think some of my flowers might need a few kind words to help them grow.
And maybe a little water, too.
Papa Bear chuckled.
That sounds like a great idea, Little Bear.
I'll join you as soon as I finish what I was working on.
Thanks for the yummy, delicious cookies.
And for talking with me, Bernice said, giving him a quick hug.
You're always welcome, Little Bear, Papa Bear replied with a smile.
That's what I'm here for.
And that is the end of our story.
Good night. Sleep tight.
© transcript Emily Beynon
