A NOTE FROM AIMEE

My experiences volunteering for a Chicago abuse help line, listening to people in the work place talk about relationships, and growing up as the youngest of six children all reinforced my belief that people could benefit from learning to have more meaningful communications. During this time, I also realized I was not skilled at talking about my own feelings. Since feelings influence what a person thinks and how a person behaves, I thought it was important to learn more about my feelings. I became passionate about the concept of understanding and expressing feelings, and on how important it is for having healthy relationships. After spending 12 years in the business world and talking with hundreds of people about their feelings, I determined there must be a way to make the idea of understanding and expressing feelings in healthy ways a fun and even popular one. And the best place to start is with parents and their children.

Children are taught reading, math, language skills, art and even some science at an early age, but we do not formally teach them about emotions, and how to understand and communicate their feelings. Over time, Talk Inc. believes if people are better able to understand and express their own feelings, they will have healthier relationships. Then subjects, such as: manners, sibling rivalry, peer pressure, diversity and loss, will be more comfortable to talk about. This is where Paddy Pillow can help.

After months of focus groups and one-on-one interviews with parents, teachers and children, Paddy Pillow is now available. The communication tool includes a stuffed toy Paddy Pillow, an illustrated children's book Meet Paddy Pillow, a CD of original Paddy Pillow music, all in a custom-design carry bag. More Paddy Pillow books are on the way. We are also working on videos and maybe someday you'll see Paddy Pillow on TV.

VOTE NOW! If you would like to see Paddy Pillow in video or on TV, please sign our petition to get the networks to support Paddy Pillow.

I want to offer special thanks to my family and friends who have encouraged me to pursue the vision of Talk Inc. Our mission is to help improve relationships through better communication.

Keep Talking!