awkward dog and the great big splash 🐶💦🐾
episode 3 · awkward dog and the great big splash — a storytelling podcast supporting emotional regulation through the power of play
🎧 listen to the episode
awkward dog and the great big splash is a therapeutic story for kids, co-created during neurodivergent-affirming therapy at trust children. this episode supports emotional resilience, sensory surprises, and the art of bouncing back — all through the lovable goofiness of a dog who declares: "i'm ok!" 🐶💦
📝 about this episode
awkward dog doesn’t mean to fall into a giant ocean puddle… but when he does, he pops up with seaweed on his snout, a grin on his face, and his favourite line: “i’m ok!” 🐾
this playful, sensory-rich beach adventure was co-created in therapy with a particular brave spark, designed to gently support kids who feel clumsy, anxious, or overwhelmed when things go wrong — especially in public.
with silly sound effects and supportive phrases like “that was unexpected... and that’s ok,” awkward dog reminds us that it’s not the mishap that matters — it’s what we do next 💛
💭 what helps you bounce back when something unexpected happens?
💬 what does your body or brain need when you feel embarrassed?
💛 a note for grown-ups
this story was co-created with a brave spark working on self-kindness after public mishaps. it gently supports emotional recovery, without shame, by modelling resilience, co-regulation, and safe language to help kids manage big feelings.
especially for neurodivergent kids — who may struggle with strong emotions, perfectionism, or sensory sensitivities — even small accidents can feel like catastrophes. awkward dog shows us that naming what happened (“that was unexpected”) and responding with humour (“i’m ok!”) can support confidence and connection.
✨ awkward dog and his catch cry were created in therapy — and we think he deserves his own series! because there’s a little bit of awkward dog in all of us.
💛 therapy tips to try
a few ways to turn the story into everyday support:
🐾 catch the oopsie – turn clumsy moments into connection. when someone trips, spills, or says something funny, pause and say “i’m ok!” together — just like awkward dog.
🎭 silly replay – act out an oopsie moment with exaggerated drama, then try a few different endings. this helps shift from shame to silliness.
🎨 awkward self-portrait – draw yourself during a clumsy moment. add speech bubbles or decorations that show how you got through it.
♻️ oops card deck – create cards with common awkward moments (e.g. knocking things over, forgetting words). take turns picking one and practising how to respond kindly.
🎧 credits
✍️ written by:
trust children and the kids we support (with a sprinkle of ai magic)
🎙️ voice:
the brave sparks team
🎛️ sound mixing:
brave sparks team
🎶 music:
serene acoustic guitar melodies by lolamoore — freesound.org/s/768424 — 🎧 attribution 4.0
🔊 sound effects include:
🌊 crashing waves into rocks 3 by amholma — freesound.org/s/376794 — cc0
🌀 8-bit boing by greenhourglass — freesound.org/s/159375 — cc0
🎵 ukulele short theme by tetoszka — freesound.org/s/537253 — cc0
✨ soft tinkling by elis164 — freesound.org/s/553087 — cc0
🕊️ seagulls (newjersey_ac_seagull.mp3) by noisecollector — freesound.org/s/75656 — attribution 3.0
💧 water splosh by benj500 — freesound.org/s/545823 — cc0
👁️ comic eye blink.wav by markboylan10 — freesound.org/s/189586 — attribution 3.0
📡 mr. beacon by stivarts — freesound.org/s/417557 — cc0
🌫️ soft ambient atmosphere by universfield — freesound.org/s/726894 — attribution 4.0
🧺 washing machine 2 by somatik7 — freesound.org/s/608719 — cc0
🌀 part of the brave sparks podcast — co-created in therapy, shaped by the voice, needs, and strengths of neurodivergent children. 🌟
🌟 explore more brave sparks
discover more child-led therapeutic stories at https://www.trustchildren.au/bravesparks
follow along for new episodes that support emotional regulation through the power of play — all shaped by the voices and needs of the children we work with.
