When a worry feels too big
Everyone worries — children, grown-ups, and even the bravest dogs. Most worries shrink when we share them. But sometimes a worry is too big to carry alone, and that's the moment to reach for more help. That's not giving up. That's exactly what brave looks like.
First, the important bit
Worry is normal. It's part of having a heart that cares about things. Kai's One Small Step Journal is a gentle, joyful habit for everyday worries and everyday courage — but it is not therapy, and not a medical tool. It doesn't replace talking to a trusted grown-up, a doctor, or a counsellor.
And remember what the journal says: a calm day is a win. You never have to go hunting for a worry.
When it's time to ask for more help
It's a good idea to talk to someone — a parent, a teacher, a GP, or one of the kind people below — when worries start to:
- feel very big, and stay big for weeks rather than days;
- get in the way of sleep, school, eating, or seeing friends;
- make someone want to hide away from the things and people they usually love;
- come with feelings of hopelessness, or thoughts of hurting yourself.
If any of those sound familiar, please don't wait. The people below are kind, free to contact, and their whole job is to listen.
Kind people whose whole job is to listen
For children and young people (under 19, UK)
Childline
0800 1111
Free to call, any time of day or night, every day. It won't show up on a phone bill, and you can talk about anything at all. You can also chat online at childline.org.uk.
If talking feels too hard right now, you can text instead: text YM to 85258 — free, any time, day or night (run by YoungMinds with Shout).
For parents and carers (UK)
YoungMinds Parents Helpline
0808 802 5544
Free advice from people who understand children's worries and mental health — whether you're concerned about something small or something serious. Open on weekdays; check youngminds.org.uk for opening hours, webchat and email options.
In an emergency
If someone is in immediate danger, or has seriously hurt themselves, call 999 straight away. For urgent but non-emergency worries about a child's health, contact your GP or call NHS 111.
We're a UK-based pack, so these numbers are UK ones. If you're reading somewhere else in the world, please use your own country's children's helpline or emergency services — most countries have one, and they'll be just as kind.
Private is fine. Secret is different.
A journal can absolutely be private — your thoughts, your drawings, your wobbly bits, shared only when you choose. Grown-ups: please honour that. It's how trust grows.
But safety things are never a secret. If you're being hurt, or someone has asked you to keep something that makes you feel scared or wrong inside, that's not a secret to keep — that's a thing to tell. Tell a grown-up you trust, and if the first one doesn't listen properly, tell another one. Keep telling until someone helps. That's one of the bravest things there is.
Ready for one small step?
For the everyday kind of worries — and the everyday kind of brave — Kai's journal is free, and it's waiting.
Get the free journal