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You inner voice matters -
no matter how old you are.
Everyone has a little voice inside their head... but what if that voice holds you back from learning new things? The MEANEST Monster is a powerful story written and illustrated by two young Australian creators (my daughters!) who know exactly how it feels to 'suck' at something new.
Get the story!
“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic.
Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.”Â
– Albus Dumbledore
The MONSTERÂ
Matters.
A New Way to face life's challenges
It all started after a HUGE explosion of emotions when my two daughters (then 7 &9) were learning how to do handstands in 2023.
For one of my daughters, each fall helped her adjust and try something different the next time. It hurt her physically—but she didn’t make it mean anything about her abilities. She picked herself up and tried again (and again, and again!).
But for my other daughter, each fall meant something entirely different. I could almost see the thoughts running through her mind. Her face crumpled. Her shoulders slumped. The more she fell, the more frustrated she became. And finally, with a big, fiery explosion of anger and sadness, she yelled:
“I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO DO IT!”
In that moment, her frustration could have been the end of the story. But instead, it became the beginning.
Turning Frustration into Something Extraordinary
Instead of letting her frustration define the moment, we sat together. I held space for her big feelings, letting her know it was okay to feel upset, angry, and even defeated. It didn’t mean she wasn’t 'as good' as her sister because it was hard.
I reminded her that everyone’s journey looks different. Just because something feels difficult now doesn’t mean it always will. And just because she couldn’t do it yet didn’t mean she would never be able to.
Little by little, as her tears dried and her breathing steadied, I could see her beginning to soften. Her frustration no longer felt like a wall she couldn’t get past—it became a stepping stone.
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Exploring the voice insideÂ
Once she felt calmer, we began to talk about that voice in her head—the one that whispered, yelled, and stomped, making her believe she couldn’t do it.
“What if that voice isn’t just mean?” I asked her. “What if it’s scared? What if it’s trying to protect you but doesn’t know how?”
Her eyes lit up with curiosity, and soon, her sister joined the conversation. Together, we began imagining what this voice might look like. Was it big and furry? Small and sneaky? Did it shout or whisper? Was it always mean, or could it learn to be kind?
It just so happened that their school had recently sent home a flyer for a Make Your Own Storybook competition. When I reminded them of it, their imaginations took off.
As a family, we’d spent 2022 travelling Australia in a caravan, where I 'homeschooled' them through what we lovingly called Mum School. One of their favourite 'lessons' was learning to use Canva—experimenting with design and storytelling through pictures and words. This felt like the perfect opportunity to channel that creativity into something meaningful.
What started as a difficult moment transformed into something playful, creative, and deeply therapeutic. Over the next two months, my daughters worked together to bring their idea to life. They wrote, illustrated, and designed The MEANEST Monster.
Through their beautiful words and expressive collage art, they created a book that not only tells a story—it shows what’s possible when you face life’s challenges with curiosity, compassion, and courage. This story won first prize in the state for their age group.
GET THE STORY →If they can do it, so CAN YOU!
You might not believe children made this book...but they did. And it’s proof of what’s possible with a little creativity, persistence, and the right tools.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’d like to help a little human in your life learn a new skill—or even create their own story too!
That’s why I’m developing tools and resources to help children, parents, teachers, and therapists bring their ideas to life. Because children's voices matter, and the world needs to hear them.
Stay tuned for:
- Story Creation Guides: Step-by-step templates to help kids turn their ideas into stories.
- Collage & Canva Tutorials: Easy-to-follow videos teaching design techniques for creating expressive, one-of-a-kind illustrations.
- Creative Project Tips: Practical advice for parents and teachers to support kids through the ups and downs of big creative projects, from messy beginnings to magical outcomes.
- Publishing Resources: Guidance on how to self-publish and share your story with the world.
This is about more than making a book—it’s about discovering the joy of creativity, the value of perseverance, and the power of sharing your voice.
And remember - if they can do it, so can you!Â
RESOURCES COMING SOON
Have we met?
I'm Amy Cox.
 I'm a Play Therapist, Teacher, Educational Consultant, Mum to 4 amazing kiddos, Author, Speaker and Researcher.
 But wait, there's more...
I'm also an eternal student, Casual Academic Lecturer for undergraduate teachers, Play Advocate, ADHDer, Steering-Committee Member and Matrescence Activist obsessively curious about the heart AND science of play, connection and development.
See what I did there? I'm not here to be defined by ONE thing - and neither are you (or the little people in your life).
So if you’re here for a New Way, becoming who you came to be, empowering your kids to do the same, one imperfect step at a time... you’re in right place!
Her phenomenal passion for children and mothers is world-leading
"In an online world filled with 'experts', Amy really stands out from the crowd. Her in-depth knowledge of the brain, her dedication to research and study, and her phenomenal passion for children and mothers is world-leading. In her own unique way, she's able to transform how children and mothers see themselves, and therefore how they parent. And our world really needs that right now."
AMY TAYLOR-KABBAZ
(amytaylorkabbaz.com)
A leading light in the parenting world
"Amy Cox is a leading light in the parenting world. She's my go-to when I need a loving reminder about not only what my kids need, but what I need, to thrive in my parenting journey. Delivering no BS info and inspo - I can't get enough of Amy! Thank you for all you do for mothers out there who are craving a new, guilt-free and playful way to live!"
– Lisa Corduff
lisacorduff.com
Nothing comes close to the sheer awesomeness of this program
"I have done so many courses and NOTHING comes close to the sheer awesomeness of this program. Thank you for helping me see myself, accept myself and learn to embrace myself. I know that I AM enough and I AM what my children need."
– Becky, Mum of 2
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I want to take a moment to acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation, the original caretakers of the land where I'm lucky enough to live, work and play: Perth, Western Australia. To those who have walked before us, those who walk with us today, and the leaders of tomorrow: your deep connection to this land is truly inspiring. I'm here to listen, learn, and grow; acknowledging the unceded sovereignty and the enduring strength of Australia's oldest cultures.  I am committed to taking real steps towards understanding, respect, and helping heal the traumas of the past.