How a Weighted Calming Plushie Helped Siblings Cope With Grief After Losing Their Dad
Losing a parent is one of the most heart-breaking experiences a child can go through. When a child is grieving, they often don’t have the words to explain what they’re feeling, but their bodies and behaviours tell the story. Trouble sleeping. Tummy aches. Sudden outbursts. Withdrawal. These are all common signs of anxiety, worry, and sadness in children trying to process grief.
We recently heard from a parent who shared the emotional story of their children’s journey after losing their dad, and how a Calmness Crew plushie became an unexpected source of comfort during their darkest moments.
A Child in Grief, Searching for Safety
When their father passed away, this young child’s world was turned upside down. The nights became particularly hard. They couldn’t sleep, couldn’t settle, and often clung to their parent out of fear. Their emotions were big, overwhelming, and impossible to control. And for a while, nothing seemed to help.
That’s when they were introduced to the Calmness Crew - a collection of weighted plush toys with built-in voice-guided breathing techniques, affirmations, and grounding tools designed to help children manage stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.
The Calmness Crew Weighted Mental Health Plushie
The child chose their plushie, gave it a name, and made it their own. And from that first night, something started to shift.
Why the Calmness Crew Works for Children in Grief
Grief often triggers anxiety and sleep issues in children. Their nervous system stays on high alert, and they may feel scared to be alone or to fall asleep.
Koala mental health plushie soothing one of our customers
The Calmness Crew plushies offer support in three important ways:
🧸 Weighted comfort: The gentle weight helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming the body. It's like a warm, steady hug.
🎧 Voice-guided techniques: Each plushie comes with a rechargeable sound device that plays calming exercises — such as box breathing, grounding techniques, and positive affirmations. These are the same techniques used by mental health professionals to help children self-regulate.
💛 Emotional connection: Children can personalise their plushie with felt stickers, a name tag, and even write what makes them smile — helping them express themselves and build emotional resilience.
More Than Just a Plush Toy
Parents often search for calming toys for anxious children, grief support toys, or weighted stuffed animals for sleep — but The Calmness Crew are more than that.
It’s not just soft and cuddly. It’s a mental health tool disguised as a plushie — one that children can turn to for emotional support during school, bedtime, travel, or therapy sessions.
We’ve even created gentle animated videos on YouTube featuring our Calmness Crew characters guiding kids through short breathing and calming routines. You can explore these at:
👉 www.youtube.com/thecalmnesscrew
Koala animation showcasing the box breathing technique when stressed on their first day of school.
Helping More Children Find Calm After Loss
We never expected how deeply these plushies would connect with grieving children. But now, more and more families are sharing stories like this. Of children sleeping again. Smiling again. Breathing again.
We know we can’t take away their grief. But with a little softness, a little guidance, and a whole lot of love, we can give them something to hold on to and a safe space to feel.
If your child is struggling with anxiety, grief, bedtime fears, or emotional overwhelm, the Calmness Crew are here to help.
🛒 Order your Calmness Crew plushie today with 10% off using code NEW