Anxious and worried kids have a safe place in books as coronavirus reaches new heights:

So how can you talk to your kids about worry and anxiety? Author Rick Foster has created a picture book to help young children process anxiety at a time that kids may be very scared of the unknown.

Rick’s new book, ‘Why Worry Wally?’  is about the sensitive subject of childhood anxiety, offering a positive and inspiring message for coping and dealing with worries particularly useful in these tough times of coronavirus concerns.

“At a time when as a society we are focusing on social distancing, books such as Why Worry Wally? can enhance connectedness between parents and their children by offering a positive and inspiring message for coping and dealing with anxiety or worries. We sincerely thank Rick writing on this very important issue, especially as it’s framed for children and for his generosity with proceeds from the sales of the book being directed to benefit Kids Helpline,” said yourtown Chief Executive Officer Tracy Adams. 

Rick Foster describes ‘Why Worry Wally?’ as a moving and emotive picture book whose title character is a loveable, quirky fellow with lots of worries. The book, aimed at four to eight-year-olds deals with the sensitive subject of childhood anxiety and conveys the message that confronting our fears and worries can help us to overcome them.

“I wrote Why Worry Wally as a resource to help communicate to young kids about anxiety or fearful concerns, as it’s important for parents to have trustworthy resources to help young children deal with anxiety,” said Rick.

“Picture books can be a calming resource for supporting young children who worry or suffer from anxiety, especially around the uncertainty being felt because of the COVID-19 health crisis. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you are a very young child already suffering from anxiety to deal with everything going on in the world, and it’s no wonder that many kids are struggling with worry and anxiety.”

According to Kids Helpline, Mental Health including anxiety was the most common reason kids seek help, which was 1 in every 4 contacts in 2019.

“Why Worry Wally? uses the theme of worries to normalise anxiety and acts as a conversation-starter for children and their parents around the subject of anxiety. It is a perfect choice to enable parents to engage with their young children about their worries about coronavirus and other concerns,” said Rick.

“I’m excited that I can also support Kids Helpline with a percentage of all profits being donated to this wonderful free 24/7 counselling and support service,” Rick continued.

Kids Helpline can be reached by calling 1800 55 1800 or online at www.kidshelpline.com.au

For more details on ‘Why Worry Wally?’  or to purchase online, you can go to Rick Foster’s website at www.rickfoster.com.au