Mums Get Scared Too!

Mums Get Scared Too! is a heartwarming and whimsical exploration of a universal truth that children often find surprising: that the grown-ups who care for them—their "superheroes"—experience the very same "big feelings" they do. In the eyes of a child, a Mum is an anchor of strength, a fearless protector, and a source of infinite comfort. However, this story pulls back the curtain on those brave moments to show that courage isn't about never being afraid; it’s about how we handle those feelings when they arrive.

The story follows a young child navigating the small but daunting challenges of childhood—the spike of a fever that feels like a fire-breathing dragon or the raspy ache of a sore throat that sounds like a grumpy green frog. Through these playful and vivid metaphors, the narrative captures the physical and emotional weight of feeling unwell.

But the heart of the tale lies in the revelation that even during these times, Mum has her own "butterflies." Whether it's the worry of a high temperature, the startling boom of a midnight thunderstorm, or the uncertainty of a new experience, the story gently illustrates that fear is a natural, shared human emotion. By normalizing these feelings, Mums Get Scared Too! encourages empathy and opens the door for honest conversations between parents and children.

It is a tale of mutual reassurance, showing that when we share our worries, they become smaller, and when we face them together, our bonds grow even stronger. It is a perfect bedtime read for any child needing a little extra "bravery boost" or for any parent looking to show their little one that they are never alone in their feelings.

✨🌈 Perfect for Ages 3–8, 5-minute story 🧸🛏️🌙 

Read or listen to the audio story 🕮
Mums Get Scared Too!

Listen to the audio story

Even mums get scared when you have a fever and feel as hot as a fire-breathing dragon.
Even mums get scared when you have a sore throat and sound croaky like a grumpy green frog by the pond.
Even mums get scared when you have a toothache and your cheeks puff up like a Bubble Eye goldfish.
Even mums get scared when you fall and scrape your knee, and your tears run faster than a waterfall.
Even mums get scared when you bump your head, and it looks like you have a boiled egg on your forehead, just like a Martian from outer space.
Even mums get scared when you try something new, like riding a bike, and you swerve from side to side like an elephant waving its trunk.
Even mums get scared when you have a bad dream and think the creepy creature under your bed is really there.
Even mums get scared when you are about to have an injection and try to wriggle like a sad worm.
Being scared is a normal part of life, even for mums!
And dads.
And grandparents.
And aunties.
And uncles.
And everyone.
Everybody feels scared sometimes.
Feeling scared comes from deep inside us.
It shows that we care, feel, and that we have emotions.
It also means we can face our fears and turn them into victories.
So next time you feel scared, remember that someone you love might feel the same way and that you and your feelings are perfectly normal.

The End



The Core Lesson:  Normalising Vulnerability & Courage

In children's eyes, parents are often seen as superheroes—fearless, all-knowing, and always strong. While this provides a wonderful sense of security, it can sometimes make a child feel isolated when they experience their own "big feelings" like fear or anxiety. They might wonder, "If Mum is never scared, why am I?"

Mums Get Scared Too! is designed to bridge that emotional gap. By showing that even the bravest figures in a child's life experience worry, we validate the child's internal world. This story teaches a vital lesson: Courage isn't the absence of fear; it’s what we do when we feel it. When we share our vulnerabilities with our children in an age-appropriate way, we teach them empathy and show them that they aren't alone in their feelings. It transforms a scary moment (like a fever or a loud storm) into a shared experience of love and resilience.

Talking Time:  Discussion Questions

Observation: In the story, what were some of the things that made Mum feel a little bit worried or "scared"?

Empathy: How do you think the little boy felt when he realized that his Mum sometimes has "butterflies" in her tummy just like him?

Connection: Have you ever seen a grown-up look a bit worried? What did you do to help them feel better? (Maybe a hug or a drawing?)

Imagery: The story describes a fever feeling like a "fire-breathing dragon." If your "worry" were an animal, what kind of animal would it be?

Bravery: What is one thing Mum and the little boy did together to face their fears?