About

Your happy and brave child is still there, it’s just a matter of reminding them (with the right tools) that they can be their brave selves again.

If you told me my 4-year-old child who’d always been a confident, happy, excitable, go-getter would, from age 6-9 become terrified of school pick up time, obsess over becoming sick, be overwhelmed on excursions and gag in the kitchen sink on the first day of a new school year I would never have believed you. But it did happen. The cause? Anxiety. 

I’m Phillippa, Mum to 3 kids, wife to my plumber and DJ husband, Australian children’s author with my first book Hazel’s Worries, an avid reader of words and especially The Word – The Bible.

I have lived experience with Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia so when my daughter Hazel began to experience extreme anxiety as a young child, I knew I needed to help her.

There isn’t a one size fits all when it comes to treating anxiety or mental health conditions. Every individual needs to find what works best for them, which is often a combination of treatments. 

The journey to help Hazel through anxiety was approached by my husband and I with an open mind. We were prepared to try different techniques until we found what worked for her. For Hazel, this was a combination of visits with a psychologist, tactile sensory input and a reward system to motivate facing fears, which in turn, built confidence.

Once Hazel overcame many of her HUGE worries, she not only felt stronger, I as a parent also felt empowered to help her. 

As Hazel was making huge progress, I stumbled upon an online self-publishing course. Immediately the idea was sparked to write a book that would encourage other children with anxiety. I was a copywriter for several years and always wanted to write a book so it felt perfect. 

Hazel’s Worries came together with ease as I reflected on Hazel’s journey (and with Hazel’s blessing who is almost 12 now), I shaped her story into a book young children could have their parents read to them.

In the book, Hazel’s Worries, your child will find a little girl who is just like them. She does normal kid things just like them and maybe they might just have big worries like Hazel too.

It is important children know they are not alone in worrying. Hazel’s Worries lets kids know they are going to be ok and that those big worries don’t have to stick around all the time.

Hazel faced her fears with help and it’s vital your child has a wide support system. From family to friends, mental health professionals and educators, everyone plays a role in helping your child overcome worries and live their best life. It can be as simple as letting the people in your child’s world know what they are dealing with and how they can help.

Learning from a young age how to face fear will become your brave child’s super power. This is where lifelong skills are learnt and will go with them into adulthood.

Your child is a unique and amazing person who is brave and bright and simply needs some skills and support to go from worrying to, in time, overcoming fear.

You can find out more about Hazel's Worries here.

Note: The children’s book Hazel’s Worries is just one of several ways your child can begin to learn to face anxiety. This book should never replace professional help.

If you or your child need urgent help call:

Lifeline 13 11 14

Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

Headspace 1800 650 890