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.

I’m thrilled to share some incredible news with our amazing community!

Our mission to support children’s mental health through the Calmness Crew—our range of mental health, voice-guided, weighted plushies, just received a huge boost. We were chosen by none other than Theo Paphitis, entrepreneur and former Dragon from Dragon’s Den, as one of the winners of his Small Business Sunday (#SBS) community.

From Panic Attacks to Mental Health Plushies: How my daughter’s struggles inspired the creation of mental health plushies.

A few years ago, coming out of lockdown, my daughter was so gripped by anxiety that she couldn’t leave the house, sit in the car, or go to school. It was heart breaking to watch, and like many parents, I felt completely lost. I’d find myself crying on many occasions feeling as though I’d failed as a parent, as I was completely helpless, unable to change how my daughter was feeling.

It’s easy to overlook how much the little things shape the way children feel about themselves. Among the simplest yet most powerful tools we can offer them is the habit of using positive affirmations.

Affirmations are short, uplifting phrases that children repeat to themselves, helping them build a strong and healthy inner voice. Phrases like “I am brave,” “I am calm,” or “I am kind” might seem small, but the effect they can have on a child’s self-belief and resilience is anything but.

When a child starts to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or on the verge of a panic attack, one of the most effective things they can do is breathe—but not just any breathing. Box breathing, also known as square breathing, is a simple yet powerful technique backed by science and recommended by psychologists, pediatricians, and educators for helping young people regulate their emotions and calm their nervous systems.