Dripple - Sadness
Support and Strategies
Who is Dripple?
Dripple is the feeling of sadness , the slow waves that wash over us when something hurts, feels lost, or doesn’t go our way. Sometimes he brings tears, sometimes silence, sometimes just a heavy body.
Dripple isn’t bad; he reminds us how deeply we care. With gentleness, his ripples soften and make room for comfort.
How can we help our Children learn about Dripple?
🤔Start With Curiosity
Try asking your child:
“Where do you feel Dripple in your body right now?” (Eyes? Throat? Chest? Shoulders?)
“If Dripple had a colour today, what would it be?” (Blue? Grey? Purple?)
“What do you think Dripple is trying to tell us?”
🧰Dripple Toolkit/secret soft side
Underneath the sadness, Dripple is really saying: “I need care and comfort.”
You could try:
Tears are safe: remind children crying is a healthy release.
Ripple Kit: soft blanket, cuddly toy, calming music, or a photo of loved ones.
Creative release: draw Dripple as raindrops, waves, or a puddle.
Connection rituals: a cuddle, story, or gentle walk together.
👇 Dr Nat’s Top Tips for parent, carers and Teachers: When Dripple is around…
•Sit beside the sadness. Presence matters more than fixing.
• Name the feeling kindly. “It looks like Dripple/sadness is here. That makes sense.”
• Validate, don’t dismiss. Swap “cheer up” for “I get why you feel sad.”
• Offer comfort and time. Sadness passes more softly when it’s given space.
🧘 Children’s Disarming strategies for Dripple (Sadness)
🃏 Rain Release
☔️ Let the tears fall, then whisper: “It’s okay to feel.”
This softens the Tearfall into healing water.
🃏 Blue Glow Hug
🤗 Wrap a blanket around your shoulders or hug a soft toy.
Transforms the Soggy Glow into comfort and warmth.
🃏 Sharing Stream
🪷 Tell a trusted person how you feel, even with just one word.
Lightens the weight of the Mood Soak.
🃏 Ripple Breath
🌬 Place your hand on your chest and breathe in slowly, imagining a calm wave rolling in… then out.
Keeps the Hushwave gentle, not overwhelming.
🃏 Gentle Step
👣 Take one small step, then rest. Say: “Slow is still moving.”
Helps lift the Drooproot just enough to keep going.