An Australian designed children’s book and “worry doll” is giving new hope to parents with anxious children. Through the power of story, children learn the ancient practice of using a worry doll to release their worries & fears – and it’s a game changer for exhausted parents supporting children with anxiety. Mother-of-two Amy Markham says she created the product after witnessing her nine-year-old son Jake struggle with anxiety, worry and fear.
“His worries seemed to affect him the most at bedtime, and he really struggled to fall asleep, I was so desperate to help him that I made him a little doll and told him a story, and I was amazed at the difference it made!” Markham commented “With everything going on in the world I knew there must be so many kids and parents in a similar situation, so I was inspired to write the book and create the dolls to help more little people deal with their anxiety and worries,”.



The book titled “Sleep Tight” and matching doll, released on October 4th just in time for Mental Health Month, and Amy is calling on parents to consider more than just their own mental health this year.
“It’s easy to forget that our little people are seeing, hearing and absorbing all the stress, worry and fear that so many parents are facing right now with all the covid uncertainty, so I wanted to remind parents to check in with their children and make sure they are doing okay,” Markham commented.
Markham said that whilst the concept of worry dolls is not new – having originated in ancient Guatemala – they continue to be popular in many cultures and globally in professions such as pediatrics, counselling, education and child psychology. Amy added that she has already received interest from several sleep consultants, who say the product could help solve sleep challenges for their clients.
“I know what it’s like to have an anxious child – to feel helpless and desperate to find a solution. I just want parents to know about this simple book and doll that can really help their little ones cope with those feelings,” Markham commented.

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