Have you ever watched your child hesitate because something just didn't feel quite right? The Risky Dare highlights the importance of helping children recognise worry, listen to the signals their bodies may be giving them, and vocalise how they feel. Through a relatable story, children are introduced to simple steps they can use to pause, express their worries and ask a trusted grown-up for help. A funny feeling in your tummy. A moment of uncertainty. A little voice inside saying, I'm not sure about this. For Ava, that feeling first appears after the school bus unexpectedly goes over a speed bump. Her tummy feels strange, but she doesn't understand why. Later at home, Elliot notices a jar of cookies sitting high out of reach. When getting the cookies turns into a risky dare, Ava notices that same uncomfortable feeling again. This time, it means something. With the support of her family, Ava begins to understand what her body has been trying to tell her—and discovers that she can talk about the feelings she doesn't yet understand. Through Ava and Elliot's experience, young children are encouraged to: notice the physical signs of worry recognise when an uncomfortable feeling returns pause and listen to what their body is telling them put confusing feelings into words make safer choices when something doesn't feel right ask a trusted grown-up for help What makes this story different? It doesn't simply tell children, “Don't worry.” Instead, it helps them become curious about worry. What does it feel like? Why might it be happening? And what can I do when I notice it? Being brave doesn't always mean saying yes or pushing a worried feeling away. Sometimes being brave means stopping, listening, speaking up and asking for help. A gentle and reassuring story for young children beginning to understand the feelings happening inside their bodies. Small steps can lead to big changes.
