Category: phearnik!

How to Manage Fear as an Adult: A Simple 5-Step Tool

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A Tool for Overthinking, Avoidance, and the Freeze Response

Fear doesn’t disappear when we grow up.

It just becomes more socially acceptable to hide.

Instead of saying “I’m scared,” adults say:

  • “I’ll do it later.”
  • “Now’s not a good time.”
  • “I’m just tired.”
  • “I need to think about it.”
Illustration by aws Studios showing a skinny woman with wild hair sitting in a short red dress looking very scared about something. Illustrating How to Manage Fear.
From the aws Studios Birthday Card

But underneath those phrases is often the same nervous system response children experience — activation, overwhelm, and sometimes a freeze response.

You’re Not Alone

If you’ve ever searched for:

  • how to manage fear as an adult
  • why do I freeze under pressure
  • tools for adult anxiety
  • how to stop avoiding things

You’re not alone.

Fear lives in the body before it lives in our thoughts. When it becomes intense, the brain shifts into protection mode. That’s biology — not weakness.

How phearnik!® the Courage Buddy™ Works

I originally created phearnik!® to help me externalize and manage my fears of running a business. Then my granddaughter wanted one and after that, I wanted to make it available to any kid like my granddaughter and any adult like me that could use a tangible coping tool too.

To help parents better understand how to use phearnik!® the Courage Buddy™ with their kids, I created this free guide. Now, there’s a guide for adults – How to Use phearnik!®: 5 Easy Steps to Manage Fear For Adults.

A picture of the phearnik! the Courage Buddy plush, a small mental health plush with a lavender body, a navy blue jumpsuit and a wild head of yarn for hair. It has big black eyes and a squiggly mouth. Funny, cute and a little bit scary. The plush helped me overcome blank canvas syndrome or overcoming writer's block and is a tool for How to Manage Fear.
phearnik!® the Courage Buddy™

Based on the Science of Fear and Anxiety

Here’s the science-informed framework behind it.

Understanding the Freeze Response in Adults

Most people know about fight or flight. Fewer talk about freeze.

The freeze response happens when the nervous system perceives threat but doesn’t see a clear escape route. Instead of running or confronting, the system shuts down.

In adults, this can look like:

  • Procrastination
  • Avoiding difficult conversations
  • Cancelling plans
  • Staying silent in meetings
  • Overthinking without acting
  • Scrolling instead of starting

This isn’t laziness. It’s nervous system protection.

An aws Studios cartoon illustration of a fretful onion. Used as a picture when I'm talking about How to Manage Fear.
aws Studios Greeting Card illustration

When we understand that, shame decreases — and that alone can reduce anxiety intensity.

5 Easy Steps to Fear Less with phearnik!®

The five steps in the guide are designed to gently interrupt that freeze pattern.

1. Take the Plush With You (Externalizing Anxiety)

One evidence-informed anxiety tool is called externalization — separating yourself from the emotion.

Instead of:
“I am anxious.”

It becomes:
“My anxiety is here.”

Holding a tangible object gives fear a boundary. It shifts the brain from fusion (“This is me”) to observation (“This is something I’m experiencing”).

That subtle shift increases cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation.

Externalizing emotions is a strategy used in therapy because it reduces intensity and increases choice.

2. Know That a Little Fear Is Healthy

A small amount of fear activates alertness and focus. It prepares the body for action.

This is called sympathetic nervous system activation — the body’s readiness system.

The goal isn’t to eliminate fear entirely. That would eliminate growth.

The goal is to keep fear within a tolerable range — not so high that it overwhelms your system.

3. Recognize When Fear Is Too Big

When fear exceeds your window of tolerance (the zone where you can think clearly), you may freeze.

You might notice:

  • Mental fog
  • Sudden fatigue
  • Avoidance
  • Decision paralysis

Recognizing this state is powerful. Awareness is the first step in nervous system regulation.

A black and white pen and ink drawing of a young girl looking fearful, nervous or scared. The picture is used sometimes to show a writer's need for overcoming writer's block and How to Manage Fear.

4. Use Breath to Regulate Your Nervous System

One of the most researched nervous system regulation techniques is slow breathing — particularly extending the exhale.

A slow inhale followed by a longer exhale stimulates the vagus nerve, which helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system — the body’s calming system.

In simple terms:
Slow breathing tells your brain you are safe enough.

The plush acts as a grounding cue — a reminder to pause and breathe before fear escalates.

Grounding tools for anxiety don’t need to be complicated. They need to be repeatable.

5. Keep Your Fear Small

When fear feels enormous, the brain narrows options.

When fear is manageable, cognitive flexibility returns.

Ask:
“What is one small brave step?”

Tiny actions reduce avoidance over time through gradual exposure. The brain learns through experience:
“I survived that.”

Confidence builds through repetition, not force.

Why Adults Need Tools for Fear and Overwhelm

Many adults experience:

  • Chronic overthinking
  • Social apprehension
  • Performance anxiety
  • Avoidance patterns
  • Persistent low-level dread
  • Emotional overload
A picture of the "Phoebe and phearnik! Fight BIG Fears" a picture book that helps kids and adults reduce their fear and anxiety and How to Manage Fear.
Both kids and adults like this picture book about how to fear less!

But we rarely give ourselves permission to use tangible coping tools.

Emotional regulation is not childish.
It is neurological.

Externalizing fear, breathing intentionally, and taking small steps are evidence-informed strategies rooted in how the brain and body respond to stress.

Download the Free Guide: 5 Easy Steps to Manage Fear

Download the Free Guide: 5 Easy Steps to Manage Fear

If you’ve been:

  • Overwhelmed
  • Avoiding something important
  • Feeling stuck
  • Caught in self-doubt
  • Frozen before taking action

This free guide offers a simple, practical tool grounded in nervous system awareness.

Download How to Use phearnik!®: 5 Easy Steps to Manage Fear (For Adults).

Fear may always visit.

But it doesn’t have to run the room.

Production Party for phearnik!®, a Mental Health Plush

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Entering a New Phase of phearnik!®

If you’ve been following along on this journey, you know that phearnik!®, a mental health plush, hasn’t just appeared overnight. This little Courage Buddy™ has grown through intentional, thoughtful phases — each one stretching me as a creator and as a business owner.

In my earlier post about theCourage Buddy™  Plush and Its 4 Phases, I shared how phearnik!® has evolved:

  • The Idea Phase – when the concept of a fear-fighting companion was just a spark.
  • The Prototype Phase – when sketches turned into something tangible I could hold.
  • The Professional Sampling Phase – when I began working with a manufacturer to explore quantity production.
  • The Production Phase – the stage where phearnik!® becomes available to many more kids and adults.
A picture of the phearnik! the Courage Buddy plush, a small mental health plush with a lavender body, a navy blue jumpsuit and a wild head of yarn for hair. It has big black eyes and a squiggly mouth. Funny, cute and a little bit scary. The plush helped me overcome blank canvas syndrome or overcoming writer's block.
phearnik! the Courage Buddy, a mental health plush

Well… we are stepping into a version of Phase 4.

But maybe not the way I originally imagined.

Why I’m Self-Producing (For Now)

After working closely with a manufacturer through a number of revisions, the mental health plush was finally ready for an initial order.

Then reality hit.

The cost of producing even a modest run through the manufacturer was exorbitant for this stage of my business. As much as I believe in this plush — and I do — I also need to steward my resources wisely.

So instead of shelving the dream or overextending financially, I decided to…

 Self-produce a small batch of the mental health plush — with help.

This allows me to:

  • Create inventory at a manageable cost
  • Begin bundling the plush with Phoebe and phearnik!® Fight BIG Fearspicture book
  • Offer the bundle in my Etsy shop
  • Continue building data and momentum before committing to large-scale manufacturing

This is not a step backward.
It’s a strategic step forward.

Introducing… The Production Party 🎉

Instead of doing this alone, I am throwing a Production Party!

In the aws Studios “Annex,” I’m setting up a mini plush workshop in our garage. Friends have offered to join me in manning the following  workstations:

  • ✂️ Pattern Cutting Station – prepping all the plush body pieces
  • 🧵 Sewing Station – assembling phearnik!®’s body
  • ☁️ Stuffing Station – bringing shape and squish to life
  • 🎀 Hair-Making Station – creating phearnik!®’s signature colorful yarn hair
A aws Studios digital art of a sewing machine.

There’s something beautifully full-circle about this stage.

phearnik!® is a Courage Buddy™ — a plush designed to help children (and grown-ups) face big fears. And here we are, stepping into our own brave moment: choosing creativity over fear, community over overwhelm, action over perfection.

One Important Step: Safety Testing

Even though this is a small, self-produced batch, I am committed to doing this responsibly.

One of the newly produced plush will be sent off for professional safety testing. That piece of the process is non-negotiable. If this Courage Buddy™  is going into the hands of children, it must meet appropriate standards.

Quality. Safety. Integrity. I’m in.

Why This Matters

This Production Party isn’t just about making plush.

It’s about:

  • Believing in a vision when the numbers feel intimidating
  • Taking creative ownership of the process
  • Letting community be part of the dream
  • Moving forward instead of waiting for “perfect timing”
A picture of a little girl holding her phearnik! Courage Buddy. The plush helps her overcome her fears so she can join in and have fun.

And perhaps most importantly, it models exactly what phearnik!® stands for:

When fear feels big, we take the next brave step anyway.

Onward and Upward

If you’ve supported this journey — by reading, sharing, purchasing the book, or cheering me on — thank you. This phase is possible because of you.

I cannot wait to see these self-produced Courage Buddies bundled up with the book and heading into homes where they will help someone feel a little braver.

Onward to Phase 4 — community edition. 💜

Overcoming Writer’s Block: A Way for Writers to Start with Confidence

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Overcoming Writer’s Block

There’s an unmistakable moment for every writer: sitting before a blank page, feeling equal parts excitement and uncertainty, a need for overcoming writer’s block. You may have your favorite pen or keyboard ready and ideas swirling in your mind, but somehow, starting that first sentence feels overwhelming. It’s not the act of publishing that’s intimidating—it’s simply beginning, making that initial mark, and facing the fear of the blank page.

A black and white pen and ink drawing of a young girl looking fearful, nervous or scared. The picture is used sometimes to show a writer's need for overcoming writer's block.

Ready to Begin Your Next Piece but…

Is the dream of writing your next story or article finally calling you to your desk? You’ve imagined the words and phrases you want to use—maybe while juggling other responsibilities. You want to honor your creative impulse as you prepare, so you gather inspiration and jot down notes or outlines on the side. Still, even after knowing your process, you find it difficult to break through the hesitation and type that first word.

Blank Page Overwhelm

Starting a new writing project can feel like staring up at a sheer cliff. The possibilities are endless, and yet the pressure to craft something meaningful can be paralyzing. You want to choose the right topic, select the perfect tone, and let your unique voice shine through. But how do you move past that initial block and let your words flow? The overwhelm is real.

Writing in “Chill”

This is a picture of a young person with their arms raised in celebration on a mountain after climbing to the top. The picture is a metaphor for learning how to fear less when it comes to doing things we want or need to do and the steps it takes to fear less and accomplish our goals. These fears include writer's block.
From the book, “Phoebe and phearnik! Fight BIG Fears”

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to approach your blank page with ease, in a “chill” state of mind? Picture yourself beginning each new piece with confidence, trusting your instincts and embracing the unknown. You’d love to brush aside the doubt, knowing your creativity will lead the way.

The Fear of the Blank Page

I’m here to tell you: no matter how daunting that blank page looks, you can move past the hesitation and write something beautiful. I was once the least likely person to take that first step, let alone call myself a writer. If someone as unlikely as me can start writing, so can you.

I was in the same place as you – that place of having a fear of the first sentence. I am a writer and a mental health educator. As a writer, I struggled with “writer’s block,” also known as the “blank page syndrome.” It’s an inability to get started and get the words from your brain onto the page. For a writer, it’s about translating ideas into words on their chosen medium.

Combating the Fear of Getting Started

Because of this “fear,” I did a lot of reading about how to deal with it. I read book like Art and Fear, The Artist’s Way, Affirmations for Artists and other resources. But it wasn’t until I read Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by the Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert that I finally had a breakthrough.  In Big Magic…, Gilbert offers a new way to confront fear. Instead of trying to ignore it or get over it or get rid of it, she suggests we accept and acknowledge fear and “travel with it” [my quotations] without giving it any control. I loved this idea.

Previously, much of the literature about dealing with fear suggested ignoring it or trying to “get over it.” I appreciated Gilbert’s fresh recommendation to not ignore it or try to get over it but to acknowledge fear. She suggests not necessarily embracing fear but to at least recognize it’s always there. In an oft repeated metaphorical vignette about a car ride, Gilbert says to take fear with you. This is what resounded with me that I could do things with fear by my side along for the ride without letting it take control.

A picture of the book "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert. The book helped me figure out a way to overcome blank canvas syndrome and overcoming writer's block.

A Way to Take Fear with You

A picture of the phearnik! the Courage Buddy plush, a small rag doll with a lavender body, a navy blue jumpsuit and a wild head of yarn for hair. It has big black eyes and a squiggly mouth. Funny, cute and a little bit scary. The plush helped me overcome blank canvas syndrome or overcoming writer's block.
phearnik! the Courage Buddy

But for me the concept wasn’t enough. I wanted an actual “something” to take with me. This “something” would represent my fear. It would remind me that fear is always there. I can acknowledge it but keep it tamped down and under control. Enter phearnik! The Courage Buddy.

phearnik! is a little rag-doll-like plush. The name phearnik! (pronounced fear-nick) means “little fear.” Small enough to take anywhere in a purse or backpack, the little purple plush reminds me that fear is always with me. I just don’t need to let it take control. Plus, a having a little fear helps us pay attention. Thus, helping to keep us safe.

The Courage Buddy opened up my ability to breakthrough my fear of the blank page and more readily start creating. Having the quirky plush by my side reminds me a little fear about what’s going on the page is okay. But it also reminds me not to let it take over and shut me down.

Having the Courage Buddy by my side helped me break through my writer’s block and made it easier to start creating. The quirky little plush serves as a reminder that it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit of fear about what I’m about to write. But more importantly, it reminds me not to let that fear take over or stop me from putting words on the page.

A phearnik!® Courage Buddy™: Supporting Every Writer with Encouragement

I aim to provide every writer facing writer’s block challenges with a phearnik! Courage Buddy. This cheerful plush serves as a gentle reminder that success begins by keeping fears in perspective and taking the first step beyond one’s comfort zone.

A prototype of phearnik! has been created, and I am currently awaiting a sample from the toy manufacturer. Upon completion, I intend to offer the plush for purchase in my Etsy shop, so individuals can acquire their own phearnik! Courage Buddy.

I’m also considering providing the plush free of charge to artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and both children and adults facing fears who need support. To achieve this, I may seek funding through crowdfunding campaigns or grants.

Let’s Stay Connected

I designed the Courage Buddy as a tool for myself and for other writers who sometimes find themselves frozen by fear before they even begin. If you ever hesitate before starting a new piece of writing, this little plush could be the gentle nudge you need.

If this playful idea appeals to you and you’re looking for a bit of motivation to get your creative energy flowing, I invite you to stay connected with me and get the free Fear Less Toolkit!

get connected – I’ll send you the free “fear less toolkit”

How to Overcome Blank Canvas Syndrome: A Way for Artists to Start Creating with Confidence

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Overcome Blank Canvas Syndrome

There’s an unmistakable moment for every artist: standing before a blank canvas, feeling equal parts excitement and uncertainty, a need to overcome blank canvas syndrome. You may have all the materials ready and creative ideas swirling in your mind, but somehow, taking that very first step feels overwhelming. It’s not the career launch that’s intimidating—it’s simply starting, making that initial mark, and facing the fear of the blank canvas.

A picture of a man with a fear of the blank canvas. He is sitting in front of a canvas on an easel scratching his head like he doesn't know what he's going to paint. The picture resembles a Norman Rockwell painting of himself in front of his canvas scratching his head. The picture helps illustrate a need to overcome blank canvas syndrome
Phoebe’s dad has blank canvas syndrome. From the picture book, “Phoebe and phearnik! Fight BIG Fears”

Ready to Begin Your Next Project but…

Is the dream of creating your next piece finally calling you to the studio? You’ve imagined the colors and shapes you want to use—maybe while juggling other responsibilities. You want to respect your creative impulse as you prepare, so you gather inspiration and sketch ideas on the side. Still, even after knowing your process, you find it difficult to break through the hesitation and make the first stroke.

Blank Canvas Overwhelm

Starting a new project can feel like staring up at a daunting mountain. The possibilities are endless, and yet the pressure to make something meaningful can be paralyzing. You want to choose the right subject, select the perfect palette, and let your unique voice shine through. But how do you move past that initial block and let creativity flow? The overwhelm is real.

“The Hike” from “Phoebe and phearnik! Fight BIG Fears”

Creating Your Art in “Chill”

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to approach your blank canvas with ease, in a “chill” state of mind? Picture yourself beginning each new project with confidence, trusting your instincts and embracing the unknown. You’d love to brush aside the doubt, knowing your creativity will lead the way.

The Fear of the Blank Canvas

I’m here to tell you: no matter how daunting that blank surface looks, you can move past the hesitation and create something beautiful. I was once the least likely person to take that first step, let alone call myself an artist. If someone as unlikely as me can start creating, so can you.

I was in the same place as you – that place of having a fear of the first step. I am an artist and a mental health educator. As an artist, I struggled with a “fear of the blank canvas” also known as the “blank canvas syndrome.” It is similar to writers’ block that many writers deal with – an inability to get started and get the words from their brain onto the page. For an artist, it’s about translating ideas onto their chosen medium.

Combating the Fear of Getting Started

A picture of the book "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert. The book helped me figure out a way to overcome blank canvas syndrome.

Because of this “fear,” I did a lot of reading about how to deal with it. I read book like Art and Fear, The Artist’s Way, Affirmations for Artists and other resources. But it wasn’t until I read Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by the Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert that I finally had a breakthrough.  In Big Magic…, Gilbert offers a new way to confront fear. Instead of trying to ignore it or get over it or get rid of it, she suggests we accept and acknowledge fear and “travel with it” [my quotations] without giving it any control. I loved this idea.

Previously, much of the literature about dealing with fear suggested ignoring it or trying to “get over it.” I appreciated Gilbert’s fresh recommendation to not ignore it or try to get over it but to acknowledge fear. She suggests not necessarily embracing fear but to at least recognize it’s always there. In an oft repeated metaphorical vignette about a car ride, Gilbert says to take fear with you. This is what resounded with me that I could do things with fear by my side along for the ride without letting it take control.

A Way to Take Fear with You

But for me the concept wasn’t enough. I wanted an actual “something” to take with me. This “something” would represent my fear. It would remind me that fear is always there. I can acknowledge it but keep it tamped down and under control. Enter phearnik! The Courage Buddy.

phearnik! is a little rag-doll-like plush. The name phearnik! (pronounced fear-nick) means “little fear.” Small enough to take anywhere in a purse or backpack, the little purple plush reminds me that fear is always with me. I just don’t need to let it take control. Plus, a having a little fear helps us pay attention. Thus, helping to keep us safe.

The Courage Buddy opened up my ability to breakthrough my fear of the blank canvas and more readily start creating. Having the quirky plush by my side reminds me a little fear about what’s going on the canvas is okay. But it also reminds me not to let it take over and shut me down.

Having the Courage Buddy by my side helped me overcome blank canvas syndrome and made it easier to start creating. The quirky little plush serves as a reminder that it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit of fear about what I’m about to paint. But more importantly, it reminds me not to let that fear take over or stop me from putting brush to canvas.

A picture of the phearnik! the Courage Buddy plush, a small rag doll with a lavender body, a navy blue jumpsuit and a wild head of yarn for hair. It has big black eyes and a squiggly mouth. Funny, cute and a little bit scary. The plush helped me overcome blank canvas syndrome.
phearnik! the Courage Buddy

A phearnik!® Courage Buddy™: Supporting Every Artist with Encouragement

I aim to provide every artist facing blank canvas challenges with a phearnik! Courage Buddy. This cheerful plush serves as a gentle reminder that success begins by keeping fears in perspective and taking the first step beyond one’s comfort zone.

A prototype of phearnik! has been created, and I am currently awaiting a sample from the toy manufacturer. Upon completion, I intend to offer the plush for purchase in my Etsy shop, so individuals can acquire their own phearnik! Courage Buddy.

I’m also considering providing the plush free of charge to artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and both children and adults facing fears who need support. To achieve this, I may seek funding through crowdfunding campaigns or grants.

Let’s Stay Connected

I designed the Courage Buddy as a tool for myself and for other artists who sometimes find themselves frozen by fear before they even begin. If you ever hesitate before starting something new, this little plush could be the gentle nudge you need.

If this playful idea appeals to you and you’re looking for a bit of motivation to get your creative energy flowing, I invite you to stay connected with me and get the free Fear Less Toolkit!

get connected – I’ll send you the free “fear less toolkit”

Overcoming Barriers to Launching Your Small Business 

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Ready to Start Your Small Business but…

Is the dream of running your own business finally becoming a reality? You have read a lot about what you need to get started. Maybe you are still working in another job. You want to be cautious about your start-up. So, you work on it on the side. But, even after knowing what you need to do, you’re unable to take those first steps. There are barriers to launching your small business.

Small Business Start-up Overwhelm

Getting a small business off the ground is a lot of work. First you need a business name. Then you need to decide what type of business to set up like a limited liability company / LLC or some other entity. Additionally, you need to set up a website. And if you are selling online, you need to create sales funnels. Then comes the marketing. This is when you try to get the public to know about you – your product or services. All of this before having to deal with shipping and taxes! And how are you going to do that ?? It’s overwhelming, to say the least.

Small Business Start-up in “Chill”

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could plug away at your business idea in “chill”? It would be great to take each step as they come, one at a time, with confidence. You would love to approach each task knowing and feeling that, yes, you can do this – even shipping and taxes!

The Fear of Getting Started

I’m here to say, even with all the work and steps and tasks, you can do it. I am probably one of the most unlikely people to start a small business. If an unlikely specimen like myself could do it, so can you.

I was in the same place as you – that place of having a fear of taking that first step. I am an artist and a mental health educator. As an artist, I struggled with a “fear of the blank canvas.” This is similar to writers’ block that many writers deal with – an inability to get started and get the words from their brain onto the page. For an artist, it’s the struggle of putting the ideas in their head with paint onto a canvas.

A picture of a man with a fear of the blank canvas. He is sitting in front of a canvas on an easel scratching his head like he doesn't know what he's going to paint. The picture resembles a Norman Rockwell painting of himself in front of his canvas scratching his head.
Unable to get started

Combating the Fear of Getting Started

Because of this “fear,” I did a lot of reading about how to deal with it. I read books on the subject like Art and Fear, The Artist’s Way, Affirmations for Artists and other resources. But it wasn’t until I read Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by the Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert that I finally had a breakthrough.  In Big Magic…, Gilbert offers a new way to confront fear. Instead of trying to ignore it or get over it or get rid of it, she suggests we accept and acknowledge fear and “travel with it” [my quotations] without giving it any control. I loved this idea.

Previously, much of the literature about dealing with fear suggested ignoring it or trying to “get over it.” I appreciated Gilbert’s fresh recommendation to not ignore it or try to get over it but to acknowledge fear. She suggests not necessarily embracing fear but to at least recognize it’s always there. In an oft repeated metaphorical vignette about a car ride, Gilbert says to take fear with you. This is what resounded with me that I could do things with fear by my side along for the ride without letting it take control.

A Way to Take Fear with You

A picture of the phearnik! the Courage Buddy plush, a small rag doll with a lavender body, a navy blue jumpsuit and a wild head of yarn for hair. It has big black eyes and a squiggly mouth. Funny, cute and a little bit scary.
Current version of phearnik!® The Courage Buddy

But for me the mere concept wasn’t enough. I wanted an actual “something” to take with me. This “something” would represent my fear. It would remind me that fear is always there. I can acknowledge it but keep it tamped down and under control.

Enter “phearnik!® The Courage Buddy”

phearnik! is a little rag-doll-like plush. The name phearnik! (pronounced fear-nick) means “little fear.” Small enough to take anywhere in a purse or backpack, the little purple plush reminds me that fear is always with me. I just don’t need to let it take control. Plus, a having a little fear helps us to pay attention. This helps to keep us safe.

The Courage Buddy opened up my ability to breakthrough my fear of the blank canvas and more readily start creating. Having the quirky plush by my side reminds me a little fear about what’s going on the canvas is okay. But it also reminds me not to let it take over and shut me down.

What’s This Got to Do with Starting a Small Business?

For me, everything. aws Studios is where I sell my mental health/social emotional learning resources and art online. When I wanted to transition these hobbies into a small business, I experienced a fear of getting started. I worried about taking those first steps. I knew what needed to be done but it all felt so overwhelming. How was little old me going to get the NY state government to give me an LLC? How was I going to sell my mental health resources and art online? And how was I going to tackle shipping and taxes?!

The Courage Buddy to Remind You

Just like breaking through my “getting started painting” fears, my Courage Buddy reminded me to keep my fears of starting a business small – oh, so very small. By doing this, I was able to take those first steps. I applied for an LLC with the state of NY. Scary! I also applied and received a registered trademark for phearnik!® Also scary especially when you’re doing it all by yourself! And phearnik!® helped me set up two online stores. Full disclosure, I’m still struggling to better understand shipping and taxes! I’m confident phearnik! will get me through those hurdles too.

This is a picture of the original phearnik! Courage Buddy plush that helps fearful kids and adults fear less. It is 6" with an off-white body made of cotton fabric, wears a green dotted dress, sports a head of wild hair made of yarn and a face made with buttons and beads.
The first phearnik! prototype

A phearnik!® Courage Buddy™ for Every Entrepreneur

Here’s my wish – every would-be-entrepreneur has a phearnik!® Courage Buddy. The fun little plush will help remind them that “you can do it!” By keeping fears small and taking a baby step out of your comfort zone – like learning how to get an LLC or open an online store – you can slowly and confidently get the tasks done that move you to opening day (maybe hold off on the shipping and taxes for now)!

How to get your own phearnik!® Courage Buddy

This image represents "The phearnik! Campaign Roadmap." It shows what aws Studios plans to do over the course of the year to make the plush available for fearful kids and adults who want to build courage.
The phearnik! Campaign Roadmap

The opportunity to own your own Courage Buddy is in the works. I want to make the plush available in my Etsy and Amazon shops for people like yourself and others like writers with writers’ block and artists with a ‘fear of the blank canvas’ to be able to have their own phearnik! Courage Buddy.

Currently, I am waiting to receive a sample of the plush made by a toy manufacturer. In the meantime, if you would like to follow the Buddy’s journey to the market, join the phearnik!® Courage Buddy Campaign. By signing up for the Campaign, I will keep you abreast of when you can own your own fear less phearnik!®

join the phearnik!® Courage Buddy Campaign and launch your business!

Meet phearnik!® the Courage Buddy™

Published on by awsstudiosart2 Comments

A Plush Toy for Managing Fear

Discover how a plush toy for managing fear can be an ideal solution, offering comfort and support to help both children and adults take control of their anxieties.

A picture of the phearnik! the Courage Buddy plush, a small rag doll with a lavender body, a navy blue jumpsuit and a wild head of yarn for hair. It has big black eyes and a squiggly mouth. Funny, cute and a little bit scary.

Mental Health Issues on the Rise

Picture of a small, sad boy hugging their mom.

Importantly, many children struggle to manage fear and anxiety, such as being afraid of the dark, while adults can also face irrational fears that disrupt daily life. With mental health concerns continuing to rise, frustrated parents searching for solutions for their anxious kids—and adults grappling with non-life-threatening fears—are looking for effective tools and strategies.

Why Managing Fear and Anxiety Need Tools, Not Just Talk

Unquestionably, mental health issues for both kids and adults are on the rise. Many suffer anxiety and are hamstrung by their fears. For kids, it can be things like being afraid of the water, going to a new school or getting a shot at the doctors. For adults, this includes socializing at cocktail parties, public speaking, writers’ block, an artist’s fear of the blank canvas, or an entrepreneur’s fear of the first step to creating a business.

Tangible, safe tools can help bridge the gap between paralyzing fear and managing it.

A Safe Tool – A Plush Prompt

phearnik!® means “Little Fear.” Above all, it is both a tactile and visual prompt. It reminds fearful kids and adults to keep fear “small.” Indeed, having a “little fear” when faced with non-life-threatening anxieties provides enough safety to try new experiences by helping us pay attention. But too much fear or letting it get “big” stops us from doing what we want or need to do.

The small phearnik!® or “Little Fear” prompts  its owner to remember to keep fear small. This is done by, first, calming or taking a breath and letting it out. In addition, the mind and body are ready to take the first small “step” of giving a new experience a try. For kids, it’s like putting a toe into the “scary” water or stepping just inside the doorway of the dark bedroom, holding their stuffie. For adults, it’s like putting words to a page or paint on a canvas.

The Courage Buddy™ provides physical comfort with its soft design. Its reminder to keep fear small serves as an emotional cue. Furthermore, this visual and tactile item may contribute to stress reduction during difficult periods through touch and familiarity, while also assisting in reframing fearful experiences.

A picture of the phearnik! the Courage Buddy plush, a small rag doll with a lavender body, a navy blue jumpsuit and a wild head of yarn for hair. It has big black eyes and a squiggly mouth. Funny, cute and a little bit scary.

Beyond Comfort: Building Courage Skills

Clearly, many individuals do not encounter intense fear when facing situations that are not life-threatening. This can be attributed to the skill of redirecting these thoughts.

Fear originates in the limbic system of the brain and is inherently primal. This often causes various experiences to seem intimidating. It is essential to move irrational fear-based thoughts to the prefrontal cortex. Here reasoning and practical decision-making take place. This process involves recognizing that the perceived threat is not actually a matter of survival. It enables individuals to respond more rationally and approach new challenges confidently.

phearnik!® prompts the practice of switching fearful thoughts from its initial primal reaction to modern and logical calm responses. This skill strengthens mental health. It is an intrapersonal communication skill, a type of mindfulness. More here.

How to Use the phearnik!® Prompt

The phearnik!® prompt is easy to use. Click to download the “5 Steps to Help Anxious Kids Build Courage.” The steps show how to put the little toy plush into action to help manage fear.

A picture of the 5 Steps to Help Kids Manage Fear using phearnik! the Courage Buddy.

Why This Plush is Different

The phearnik!® novelty toy plush for managing fear is designed with strategies to reduce fear.

Many plush toys currently available address sensory sensitivity and provide comfort. In contrast, there are fewer products specifically aimed at supporting children in developing mental health skills. phearnik!® the Courage Buddy™ focuses on mindfulness. This is a technique that helps children shift instinctive fear responses toward more cognitive approaches.

Also, unlike other comfort plushies,  the phearnik!® novelty toy supports various social and emotional skill building. In addition, this includes problem solving, perseverance, storytelling, and adapting to increasing challenges during play. Moreover, its design encourages interaction and shared play between children and adults.

The phearnik!® novelty toy plush for managing fear is also paired with a picture book. The book, Phoebe and phearnik!® Fight BIG Fears, aims to both educate and reinforce skills for managing fear. With the book and the plush together, play is combined along with reading activities.

Overall, the phearnik!® novelty toy plush is presented as more than just a novelty or toy for many different audiences. It is positioned as a resource, companion, and support for building confidence and courage.

Benefits for Different Audiences

phearnik!® the Courage Buddy™ provides uses for different audiences including kids, parents, teachers, therapists and counselors, and adults dealing with irrational fears.

For Kids
A picture of a little girl holding her phearnik! Courage Buddy. The plush helps her overcome her fears so she can join in and have fun.
  • As a child’s “little fear,” the plush helps children externalize fear such as, “phearnik!® helps me keep my fear small.”
  • The small, soft toy encourages self-soothing including slow breathing, cuddling, and storytelling.
  • The Courage Buddy™ is all about creating safe opportunities to practice courage in small steps.
Parents
  • The plush and its accompanying picture book offers parents a gentle, non-confrontational way to talk about fear with their children.
  • Both the book and the doll support bedtime routines, transitions, and encouragement during moments of anxiety such as a doctor’s visit or the first day of school.
  • phearnik!® the Courage Buddy™ acts as a shared language between parent and child for managing fears.
A picture of a parent talking on the phone holding an infant with a younger child holding on trying to get the parent's attention.
Teachers & Counselors
  • The book and plush combo provide a classroom or counseling office with tools for helping fearful students regulate emotions.
  • Both can be used in social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons or therapy sessions.
  • The novelty toy encourages group conversations about courage, resilience, and self-management.
And Adults with Irrational Fears
  • Similar to stress balls or weighted blankets, but more personal, the little Courage Buddy™ provides grounding during moments of panic or anxiety.
  • The quirky plush serves as a fun and discreet comforting reminder to slow down, breathe, and keep fears small.
  • The novelty plush reframes “childish comfort” as a valid wellness strategy for grown-ups.
A picture of a woman on stage presenting to a large seated audience. The woman presenting at a podium is looking back at the viewer of this picture with her hand on her phearnik! plush that helps her manage her fear of presenting in front of a large audience. The plush reminds her to stay calm and keep her fear small and not freeze so she can do the presentation.
Phoebe’s mom with her Courage Buddy from “Phoebe and phearnik! Fight BIG Fears” picture book coming soon. See a trailer of the book.

The Courage Buddy: a fun way to manage fear

Incorporating a novelty plush toy for managing fears like phearnik!® as a supportive tool can make a meaningful difference in navigating everyday anxieties. By providing a comforting, tangible reminder to keep anxieties “small,” this plush toy helps foster resilience. In addition, it encourages positive behavioral change. With rising mental health challenges, accessible tools like these empower individuals. This is done by helping them face their fears, one small step at a time. Ultimately, having a small companion to take anywhere can transform overwhelming moments into opportunities for growth and courage.

What ABout You?

 “Is there anyoue in your life who could use a courage-boosting plush?” Tell us in the Comments section.

Join the phearnik! Courage Buddy Campaign and support mental health skill building

The 4 Phases of phearnik!®- The Fear Less Plush

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Why phearnik!®- the Fear Less Courage Buddy

I created the phearnik!® (pronounced “fear nick,” meaning “Little Fear”) Courage Buddy plush to help me fear less and manage my anxiety. The character started out with a face of buttons and beads. Over the past four years, it has gone through four transformations—each one showing a new stage in its development. Now, it’s changing once again.

The 4 Phases of phearnik!®, the Courage Buddy Plush

Phase 1 of the Fear Less Plush

Here’s how the very first ” fear less” Courage Buddy plush came to life: I drew a pattern for its head, body, and long, skinny arms and legs. Using some beige cotton fabric I had on hand, I cut out the pieces and sewed them together. For its signature wild hair, I used yarn, and I added button eyes and a beaded mouth to give it a look I imagined as “funny ugly” or “scary cute.” I believe I captured that playful spirit.

This is a picture of the original phearnik! Courage Buddy plush that helps fearful kids and adults fear less. It is 6
The original phearnik! Courage Buddy plush

Courage Buddy Phase 2

A picture of a little girl holding her phearnik! Courage Buddy. The plush helps her overcome her fears so she can join in and have fun.
Phase 2 lavender phearnik!

Subsequently, I wanted phearnik!® to feel even more inclusive, so I made it more gender and race neutral in the next phase. The body changed from beige to a soft, flannel-like lavender, and the dress swapped for a navy jumpsuit. To add a bit of flair, I gave the “fear less” phearnik!® an necklace made from a baby’s ID bracelet, proudly showing its name.

Phase 3 of the Courage Buddy

Along with growing interest in the “fear less” Courage Buddy, I made three copies for close friends and family. In addition, I realized that my sewing each plush was not sustainable. To make it more accessible and affordable, phearnik!® became smaller, and the detailed button-and-bead face swapped for a painted version.

The body fabric switched to felt, and the eyes and mouth painted with acrylics. Clearly, feedback from toy industry professionals highlighted concerns that this version appeared too scary for young children. Furthermore, this prompted further revisions for the next phase.

A picture of Phase 3 of the phearnik! Courage Buddy plush.
Phase 3 phearnik! – Indeed too scary but still has an ID necklace

Phase 4

For Phase 4, I revisited the Phase 2 version of phearnik!® but made strategic adjustments to prepare for manufacturing. The plush’s necklace became too expensive to produce at scale. I replaced it with the phearnik!® logo displayed directly on its jumpsuit. The doll’s facial features also shifted from painted details to embroidered ones, enhancing both durability and consistency for mass production.

A picture of the phearnik! Courage Buddy plush prior to getting turning lavender.
Original phearnik! preparing for transformation
Ready for its dye bath
A picture of the Phase 4 phearnik! Courage Buddy.
phearnik! transformed once again

To streamline the prototyping process, I opted to modify the original plush rather than sew a brand-new one. I dyed the original off-white body to lavender and dressed it in the navy jumpsuit. Then I added the logo using iron-on transfer paper. I sent the manufacturer a photo illustration of the new embroidered face design. But I’m keeping the classic button-and-bead face for my personal collection,

Multiple Phases — A Common Practice

It’s common for inventions to evolve through several phases and prototype iterations. Reflecting on the journey, each stage of the “fear less” plush brought meaningful improvements. Although I enjoyed refining each version, the prospect of producing multiples by myself was daunting. This drove my push toward a manufacturable design.

Another Phase for phearnik!®- the Courage Buddy

Last year, I began researching the requirements for large-scale plush manufacturing—a story for another time. Meanwhile, phearnik!® continues to evolve. I’ve sent detailed specifications to an overseas toy manufacturer and am currently awaiting a sample plush based on those instructions. This sample will reveal how the final manufactured version of phearnik!® will look.

Once I receive the finished sample, I’ll share the results and updates on the “fear less” Courage Buddy’s ongoing transformation right here.

A picture of the phearnik! plush, a small rag doll with a lavender body, a navy blue jumpsuit and a wild head of yarn for hair. It has big black eyes and a squiggly mouth. Funny, cute and a little bit scary.
Phase 5 phearnik! for manufacturing
help bring the Courage Buddy to others – Click here to Join the phearnik! Campaign – Plus, see a trailer of a new book coming out about phearnik!

5 Scenarios that Help with Fears

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Transform Fearful Kids and Adults to Fear Less

C’mon. How Does This Thing Work?!

I want you to know how the phearnik!® plush works to help with fears and transform fearful kids and adults to fear less.

I’ve told you about phearnik! — what it is and how it works. I’ve given you some proof of its effectiveness and how and why I created it in the first place. But I want to provide you with more examples of how phearnik!® can help with fears and transform fearful kids and adults to fear less.

A picture of the phearnik! plush, a small rag doll with a lavender body, a navy blue jumpsuit and a wild head of yarn for hair. It has big black eyes and a squiggly mouth. Funny, cute and a little bit scary. The plush helps fearful kids and adults transform to fear less.

phearnik!® In Action

The following are “composite-style” scenarios, realistic situations drawn from known research on anxiety, mindfulness, exposure, and comfort objects. These scenarios show how people of all ages can put the cute and quirky little plush into action. This, then, helps to ease anxiety and build courage.

Support the phearnik!®  Campaign

After reviewing these scenarios, let me know if they have enhanced your understanding of how phearnik! works. If you see value in this product, consider supporting the phearnik!® Campaign. By doing so, you will be among the first to be notified when the plush becomes available. In addition, you will be contributing to help with fears and transform fearful children and adults to fear less.

phearnik! Scenarios

Building self-trust: “I did it — even though I was scared.”

A picture of a little girl holding her phearnik! The plush helps her transform her fears to fear less.

Dena, age 7, hated trying anything new. Even playdates at a different house made her stomach hurt. Her mom started reminding her to hold her phearnik!®, take slow breaths, and repeat “small fear keeps me safe, big fear makes me freeze.” Over a few months, Dena was able to join a new art class — still nervous, but she noticed, “I can be a little scared and do it anyway.” This is exactly how children build self-efficacy, a core idea from Bandura’s research: learning they can act despite fear.

Get the 5 Easy Steps to Help Anxious Kids Build Courage. It’s Free!

Developing a calm inner voice: replacing harsh worry with soothing reminders

Liam, a college student, used to spiral with thoughts before presentations like “What if I mess up? What if everyone thinks I’m weird?” Keeping phearnik!® nearby gave him a tactile anchor (a proven grounding technique). Each time he thought of it and breathed out slowly, he practiced saying, “It’s okay to be nervous but I can still handle this.” Over time, that became his automatic self-talk — a shift well-documented in cognitive behavioral therapy studies.

Learning to separate feeling from fact: “Scared doesn’t mean stop.”

Faith, a middle school teacher, brought phearnik!® to her classroom for her students to use. But she ended up using it herself before presenting at meetings. She found it helped her notice: “My fear of presenting in front of my colleagues is uncomfortable, but it isn’t dangerous.” Having the plush around reminded her to pause, breathe, and choose action. This is tied to well-established mindfulness work (Kabat-Zinn) which shows mindfulness helps people observe emotions without over-identifying with them. More here.

A picture of a woman on stage presenting to a large seated audience. The woman presenting at a podium is looking back at the viewer of this picture with her hand on her phearnik! plush that helps her manage her fear of presenting in front of a large audience. The plush helps with fears and transforms the fearful adult to fear less. The plush reminds her to stay calm and keep her fear small and not freeze so she can do the presentation.

Becoming more willing to try new things: gentle exposure with a comfort cue.

Andrew, 4, wouldn’t go near the big slide at the park. His dad started bringing phearnik!® along, encouraging Andrew to pet its soft hair, take a deep breath, and look at the slide. Week by week, they got closer. Eventually, clutching the little plush tight, Andrew went down, loved it, and wanted to do it again. This follows a key principle of exposure therapy: small, supported steps with a comforting object reduces avoidance and builds courage.

Regulating the body faster after fear: soothing the nervous system

A black and white pen and ink drawing of a young girl looking fearful, nervous or scared. The picture is used to help illustrate how the phearnik! plush helps with fears and transforms fearful kids and adults to fear less.

In one study on transitional objects, children hugging a favorite toy had reduced cortisol spikes during stress (source: Passman, 1977). Similarly, Jamie, a teen, kept a phearnik!® in her backpack. During times of feeling anxious, she would reach in and stroke its soft body and hair while breathing slowly. This helped settle her racing heart, letting her return to class instead of going to the Nurse’s Office.

Get the 5 Easy Steps to Help Anxious Kids Build Courage. It’s Free!

Building Courage Through Mindful Support

In moments of fear, doubt, or uncertainty, having tools like phearnik!® can make a world of difference. Whether it’s for children learning to trust themselves, students calming their inner critic, or adults navigating daily challenges, small visual and tactile prompts can empower us to act with courage. Building resilience doesn’t happen overnight, but with mindful practices and gentle supports, we learn to shrink big fears and expand possibilities — one brave step at a time.

This image represents "The phearnik! Campaign Roadmap." It shows what aws Studios plans to do over the course of the year to make the plush available for fearful kids and adults who want to build courage.

The phearnik! Campaign

So, what do you think? Did these stories help you better understand how the little plush works? If so, consider supporting the phearnik!® Campaign. Be among the first to know when the plush becomes available, all while supporting the phearnik!® movement — to help with fears and transform fearful kids and adults to fear less!

Click here to support mental health and join the phearnik! Campaign

Thanks for reading!

This is a picture of Alis Wintle Sefick, the owner/operator of aws Studios and her signature.

Improving Access to Treatment with Skill Building

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Mental Health Issues on the Rise

After 9/11, I remember hearing a news report that said over the following five years, the US would see a sharp rise in mental health issues and an increased need for access to treatment. During that time, the topic slowly crept into the news. Ten years later, the pandemic and athletes’ mental health advocacy created a new and bigger wave of reporting on the topic.

A picture of a little boy looking sad hugging his mother. An illustration of how mental health issues are on the rise and causing problems with access to treatment .

A Focus on Treatment

These media reports focused on the treatment of mental illness. In addition, because of the increased incidence of mental health issues, getting treatment has become both difficult and expensive.

A Critical Shortage of Available Treatment

An illustration of a therapist and a client. The picture underscores the increased need for access to treatment in a dearth of treatment options and a need for alternatives.

In an article on children’s mental health, best-selling  author Judith Warner calls the shortage of available treatment a “supply-chain [issue].” Importantly, even before the pandemic, says Warner, there was an “obscene shortage” of mental health practitioners. And, she adds, issues caused by the pandemic “multiplied the problem exponentially.”

Building Skills to Address the Treatment Shortage

Along with this extreme shortage of care, Warner found how, after frustration with the current access to treatment system, “[a] growing number of frustrated practitioners and researchers”… had begun to create “new approaches.”  These programs focused on prevention. States Warner,

“The common element, in all the new programs is a focus on skills — tools and techniques, validated by decades of science, which build resilience and enhance mental health. Skills that help kids be mindful of their feelings. Skills that enable them to calm themselves and pause to think before acting or speaking. Skills that empower them to act — in positive ways — when they’re feeling down, anxious, or angry, or overwhelmed. And skills that help them understand other people’s perspectives, and communicate their own needs, feelings and perceptions in ways that are both more thoughtful of others and more likely to be effective.”

Acquiring Skills is Not Always Easy

Skills help combat mental health issues. Moreover, they often go unpracticed.

This is due to a variety of reasons including the inability for people to see an immediate benefit, financial barriers, limited access to resources, a lack of support systems and a lack of the awareness of prevention services

Mental health made simple: A Free skills checklist!

Addressing Barriers to Skill Building

aws Studios.art seeks to address barriers to social and emotional learning. Building mental health with the Studios is not only easy but also affordable. And, in regard to addressing the lack of support systems, phearnik!® is, in essence, designed to be a personal safety net.

portable support system

A picture of the phearnik! plush, a small rag doll with a lavender body, a navy blue jumpsuit and a wild head of yarn for hair. It has big black eyes and a squiggly mouth. Funny, cute and a little bit scary. phearnik! is a cost effective support system and way to build mental health skills and an alternative to access to treatment.

Because it’s small and meant for travel, the plush acts as a portable support system. The idea is to have phearnik!® accessible whenever and wherever one might experience irrational fear and anxiety. Its presence reminds us to keep our fears small and not let them get big where they take control and make us freeze. See more about the phearnik!® support system here.

5 Ways to use phearnik! to help kids be less scared

In Summary…

Because of increased incidences of mental health issues and a shortage of treatment, social emotional learning provides an effective alternative. With more prevention and skill building, the need for  treatment subsides.

But providing more skill building opportunities is not enough. There are barriers people experience to their social and emotional learning. These barriers include financial, access, and awareness limitations.

To address this issue…

The aws Studios.art brand works  to break down some of the barriers to skill  building. Through the Studios, I provide resources that offer immediate benefit and are low cost and often free. And, if someone lacks a support system for practicing skills, phearnik! is just the thing. The plush acts as a portable personal guide and safety net.

A picture of the aws Studios.art Roles and Goals goal setting and planning resource available at their TPT store

What About You?

Have you experienced an inability to access mental health treatment? What do you think about skill building? Is this something that comes easy for you or is it difficult to practice? Do you have a support system in place to help with your social and emotional learning? What do you think of the phearnik!® plush as a support system? Let us know in the Comments.

If you are inclined, “Like” this post. Feel  free to “Share” it with others. And, as always, thanks for reading.

The phearnik!® Crowdfunding  Campaign

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The phearnik!® Campaign

A month ago, I announced my campaign to make phearnik!® available to every child who could use its subtle powers. These “powers” work to support children’s mental health. In particular, the quirky little plush helps kids be less scared of everything.

A Crowdfunding Project

To help me make the plush available in the marketplace, I plan to launch a fund-raising campaign later this year. The funds raised will help me with manufacturing costs. These include the manufacture of the phearnik!® plush and the printing of the accompanying Phoebe and phearnik!® Fight BIG Fears picture book.

A picture of a bookmark that says "Support Mental Health, Join the phearnik! Campaign" with a QR code to sign up.

Why Crowdfunding?

For my phearnik!® Campaign, I am using “crowdfunding.” Crowdfunding is a way to fund projects by raising money from a large number of people through the internet. Many artists and entrepreneurs have successfully raised funds and fostered awareness of their initiatives through crowdfunding.

Like these artists and entrepreneurs, I have invested my own funds into my project, along with the support of family and friends. To take my idea to the next step, I need more help. I want to branch out to include others who are also interested in supporting mental health.

An example of a “Reward”- a plush with a book
This Reward is the same with a T-shirt

Kickstarter Crowdfunding

For my crowdfunding campaign, I am using Kickstarter. Kickstarter is one of many online crowdfunding platforms. These platforms make it easy for creators to share their projects and receive funding. With Kickstarter, like similar platforms, investors or “backers” receive rewards for their investment.

I chose Kickstarter because I like the fact that, to receive funds from your backers, you must meet your funding goal. If you do not meet your goal, your project does not receive any funds. Plus, backers would not be expected to pay. Although challenging, this seems fairer for the investor.  A creator who reaches their goal is more likely to follow through with their initial intentions than those who do not.

See a trailer of the phoebe and phearnik! fight big fears picture book

Mental Health Issues on the Rise

Kids’ mental health issues are on the rise in the US and around the world. Many suffer anxiety and are hamstrung by their fears. These include irrational fears like being afraid of the water, going to a new school or getting a shot at the doctors. Furthermore, kids often lack the skills needed for their social and emotional learning. Parents of these children are frustrated and request more tools and strategies to help them help their kids.

Hear what Rebecca, a retired Pre-school Educator, had to say about phearnik!®:

“My now grown daughter could definitely have used a phearnik doll. She was very fearful of new things to the point that it affected her social connections with other kids her age. At the time there was no product like phearnik on the market. We relied on tiny “worry dolls“ to help her manage her fears. I definitely would have invested in phearnik had it been available at the time. I think it would’ve been a big help to her then.”

Support Children’s Mental Health

By supporting the phearnik!® Campaign, backers will be an essential link to bringing this mental health resource to fearful children and their parents. In addition, investors will be sponsoring the larger mission of “boosting” or supporting mental health. With the phearnik!® Campaign, this includes the message of reducing mental health issues with skill building aka social emotional learning (SEL).

A picture of a phearnik! logo with the name phearnik! in purple on a blue-green cloud
Join the phearnik! Campaign and support mental health

What About You?

What have you used to help kids with their anxiety? In what other ways do you support mental health? Let us know in the Comments.

Join the phearnik!® Campaign here!

If you’re inclined, give this post a “Like!”  Support mental health, share this post with others.