Mental Health Movement Webinar Series:

Have you ever noticed how children struggle to put their emotions into words? One minute they’re laughing, the next they’re overwhelmed and unable to explain why. As adults, we know how tricky emotions can be to navigate—but for kids, without the right tools, it can feel impossible.

So, how do we help children build emotional resilience and express their feelings in a healthy way?

That’s exactly what Katie O’Reilly, the founder of My Buddy Boo, has set out to do. Katie’s journey is rooted in one powerful belief: choosing joy over bitterness. She understands firsthand how life’s hardest moments can either break us or inspire us to create change—and for her, the choice was clear.

Katie’s Story

Katie’s journey to creating My Buddy Boo was deeply personal. When her daughter was diagnosed with cancer at just three years old, Katie was thrown into a world of hospital visits, treatments, and uncertainty. But beyond the physical challenges, she noticed something else—her daughter struggled to express what she was feeling.

It wasn’t just her sick daughter who found emotions hard to communicate—her other daughter, quietly carrying the weight of fear and anxiety, also struggled to process everything happening around her.

Watching both her children experience emotional distress in different ways made Katie realise just how vital it is for children to have tools to communicate their feelings. She knew she had to do something.

That’s how My Buddy Boo came to life—a cuddly, interactive toy designed to help children express emotions through storytelling, play, and non-verbal communication. By giving kids a tangible way to share their feelings, My Buddy Boo helps them feel seen, heard, and understood—something Katie believes every child deserves.

“I could not go through such a journey and learn so many new ways to help children regulate emotions—especially seriously ill children—and not do something with the knowledge. This is why My Buddy Boo exists. To help kids learn that all emotions are OK and to share them.” – Katie O’Reilly

Katie’s personal motto, “Choosing joy over bitterness,” became more than just words—it became a guiding principle for how she faced hardship and how she designed My Buddy Boo to help children do the same. She believes that while we can’t always control life’s challenges, we can choose how we respond.

Why Emotional Learning Matters for Kids

Kids experience emotions just as deeply as adults, but without the language or skills to process them, they can feel overwhelmed, confused, or alone.

Teaching emotional intelligence early helps children develop:

• Better communication – They learn to name and express their feelings rather than act them out.
• Stronger relationships – They develop the confidence to communicate with parents, teachers, and peers.
• Resilience in tough times – They gain coping skills that help them manage challenges, big or small.
• A sense of security – They feel validated and supported in their emotions rather than confused or ashamed.

The goal isn’t to eliminate difficult emotions—it’s to equip kids with the tools they need to manage them.

“A huge part of Boo is helping kids to feel seen and heard.” – Katie O’Reilly

How Can We Help Kids Feel Seen and Heard?

Children learn best through play, which is why My Buddy Boo isn’t just about talking—it’s about engaging, storytelling, and interacting. The toy helps children:

• Identify emotions – Through stories and activities, kids learn to name what they’re feeling.
• Role-play solutions – My Buddy Boo encourages children to explore different ways to handle emotions.
• Start conversations – The toy provides a safe space for kids to share their thoughts and feelings.

By turning emotional learning into a game, My Buddy Boo makes it fun, approachable, and stress-free. It allows kids to take control of their emotions in a way that feels natural to them—whether that’s through storytelling, using the Boo Badges, or simply hugging their Buddy Boo when they need comfort.

“My daughter suffered from needle phobia—this is why I designed a port for My Buddy Boo. I wanted to give kids a sense of control in a world where they may feel they have lost it.” – Katie O’Reilly

Choosing Joy Over Bitterness: A Lesson for Everyone

Katie’s message of choosing joy over bitterness isn’t just for kids—it’s for all of us. Life throws challenges our way, but how we respond makes all the difference.

• For parents, educators, and caregivers, this means creating safe spaces for children to express their emotions without shame.
• For adults, it’s a reminder that emotional resilience isn’t just about “getting over it” but learning how to navigate life’s highs and lows with grace.

We can’t erase hardship, but we can choose how we approach it. And that’s what this webinar is all about.

Join the Conversation

We’re thrilled to have Katie join us for our upcoming Mental Health Movement Webinar: Choosing Joy Over Bitterness, where she’ll share her story and offer practical strategies for helping children build emotional resilience while also maintaining our own mental health.

📅 Date: Friday 21st of March 
🕒 Time: 1pm Brisbane time
📍 Where: Online (link provided upon registration)

This free webinar is an opportunity to gain practical insights, inspiration, and tools for supporting children’s emotional well-being.  Spots are limited, so register now to secure your place!

Register now!