Here is a selection of resources for both parents and children to help with overall wellbeing. We have covered the topics that parents come to us most often for help, both for their children and themselves. We have expanded the list of coronavirus resources but also included tips on how to prepare your child to come back to school in September.
Coronavirus specific support
Websites
https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/coronavirus/mental-health-coronavirus
https://www.devon.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-in-devon/document/resources-for-children/
BBC Newsround – daily news updates in a child friendly way
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/away-from-home/at-school/
https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/what-to-do-if-you-re-anxious-about-coronavirus/
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-keeping-children-safe-online/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-parents-and-carers-to-keep-children-safe-online
Animated stories for children
The Stay Home Superheroes
Time to come in Bear – The World caught a cold.
https://safeshare.tv/x/ss5e7c890c5321e?fbclid=IwAR22PQxdQurODicheKliFEbMsWP4PMtuHHvXuv3Dsj7QHZ2aTvodTwDZgDk
Be a Coronavirus Fighter
Online activity resources:
https://www.bouncebrighterfutures.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MH-Activities.jpeg
https://www.bouncebrighterfutures.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Childrens_Activities_v5.pdf
Books to download:
Explaining the Coronavirus
Dave the Dog is worried about coronavirus
https://nursedottybooks.com/dave-the-dog-is-worried-about-coronavirus-2
My Hero is You
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/my-hero-you
Supporting Children at Home
Back to school support
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/returning-school-after-lockdown
https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/supporting-a-child-returning-to-school-after-lockdown/
Wellbeing Support for Adults
Mental health UK
Every Mind Matters
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
Rethink
Mind for better mental health:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
Heads Together
http://www.headstogether.org.uk/
Samaritans UK
Free Call 24/7: 116 123
Email 24 Hour response time: jo@samaritans.org
Other Support Groups
Devon Domestic Abuse Support
Call 0345 1551074
https://www.devon.gov.uk/dsva/domestic-violence-and-abuse/
https://www.splitz.org/devon.html
Local Domestic Abuse Support - SASHA
Call 07399564517 (Sun/Tues/Thurs 7-9 pm and Tues/Thurs/Fri 10am-3pm)
sasha@totnesconnectionhub.co.uk
National Domestic Abuse Support
Call 0808 2000 247
https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
Guidance for people without English as a first language
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/domestic-abuse-get-help-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak-translations
Citizens Advice
Call 03444 111 444
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
General support for parents
Anxiety resources:
Books for children:
Keep-Calm Guru: Wise Ways for Children to Regulate their emotions and Senses by Lauren Brukner
ISBN 978-1-78592-7140
The Panicosaurus: Managing Anxiety in Children Including Those with Asperger Syndrome by K.I Al-Gahni
ISBN 978-1-84905-356-3
Starving the Anxiety Gremlin by Kate Collins-Donnelly
ISBN 978-1-84905-341-9
The Huge Bag of Worries by Virginia Ironside
ISBN 978-0- 34090-317-9
What to do When You Worry too Much: A kids guide to Overcoming Anxiety by Dawn Huebner
ISBN 1-59147-314-4
When My Worries Get Too Big!: A Relaxation Book for Children Who live with Anxiety by Kari Dunn Buron
ISBN 978-1-93747-380-8
The Panic Book by Neil Phillips
ISBN 0-9585604-20
Useful Websites
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anxiety-children/Pages/Introduction.aspx
https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/conditions/anxiety
https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/our-services/anxiety-information/young-people-and-anxiety/resources
http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/parentsandyouthinfo/parentscarers/worriesandanxieties.aspx
Young Devon Wellbeing Toolkit
www.yd-expanded-wellbeing-toolkit-devon.pdf
https://www.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/archives/9910 - supporting children who are anxious (Nip in the bud short film)
www.otb.ie/HH-anxiety-disorders-in-children
www.otb.ie/HH-young-minds-anxiety
There are also some parenting programmes that teach parents of anxious children how to overcome their anxieties. The two programmes below are based on Cognitive Behaviour Techniques which are the preferred treatment used by CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). They tend to work with children when their anxieties are having a debilitating effect on their day to day living. A CAMHS referral can be made through your GP, School nurse or school. Evidence that you have tried to support your child by teaching them strategies to relax could add weight to your referral.
Parent Lead Treatment Programmes:
From Timid to Tiger
For parenting the anxious child
Sam Cartwright-Hatton, Ben Laskey, Stewart Rust and Deborah McNally
Overcoming your child’s fears and worries
A guide for parents using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques
Cathy Creswell and Lucy Willetts
Grief Resources:
Reading for parents:
When Children Grieve:
For Adults to Help Children Deal with Death, Divorce, Pet Loss, Moving, and Other Losses by John W. James, Russell Friedman, Leslie Matthews
ISBN 0-06-008429-4
Bereaved Children and Teens.
A Support Guide for Parents and Professionals by Earl A. Grollman
ISBN 0-8070-2307-8
Helping Children with Loss by Margot Sunderland
ISBN: 978-0-8638-8471-9
Reading for children:
Michael Rosen’s Sad Book by Michael Rosen and Quentin Blake
ISBN 978-0-7445-9898-8
Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine
Your Activity Book to Help when someone dies by Diana Crossley and Kate Sheppard
ISBN 978-1-903458-96-9
Badgers Parting gifts by Susan Varley
ISBN 978-1-84939-931-9
Always and Forever by Debi Gliori and Alan Durant
ISBN 978-0-552-567637
The Day the Sea Went Out and Never Came Back:
A Story for Children Who Have Lost Someone They Love: 2 (Helping Children with Feelings) by Margot Sunderland and Nicky Armstrong
ISBN 978-0-8638-8463-4
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst and Geoff Stevenson
ISBN 978-0-87516-734-3
Useful Websites:
https://www.winstonswish.org.uk
http://jeremiahsjourney.org.uk
http://www.childrenandfamiliesingrief.co.uk
https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/for-parents
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/bereavement/Pages/children-bereavement.aspx
https://childbereavementuk.org/for-families/
Resources for Family Resilience:
Books for Parents:
Developing Resilience by Michael Neenan
ISBN: 978-0-4157-9-291-0
The Yes Brain : How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child by Daniel J. Siegel
ISBN: 978-0-3995-9-466-3
Why Love Matters: How Affection Shapes a Baby’s Brain by Sue Gerhardt
ISBN: 978-0-4158-7-053-5
Building Resilience in Children and Teens : Giving Kids Roots and Wings by Kenneth R. Ginsburg
ISBN: 978-1-5811-0-866-8
Books for Children:
Ricky the Rock that Couldn’t Roll by Jay Miletsky and Erin Wosniak
ISBN: 978-0-5781-9-803-3
After the Fall How Humpty Dumpty got Up Again by Dan Santat
ISBN: 978-1-6267-2-682-6
The Bad Seed by Jory John and Pete Oswald
ISBN: 978-0-3992-5-537-3
Even Superheros have bad days by Shelly Becker and Eda Kaban
ISBN: 978-1-4549-1-394-8
Love by Matt de la Pena and Lauren Long
ISBN: 978-1-5247-4-091-7
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
ISBN: 978-1-554537-0-44
Ruby and the Rubbish Bin (Helping Children with Feelings) by Margot Sunderland and Nicky Armstrong
ISBN 978-0-8638-8-462-7
Useful Websites:
www.apa.org/helpcenter/resilience.aspx
https://www.heysigmund.com/building-resilience-children
https://www.nhs.uk/search/?collection=nhs-meta&query=+resilience+child
www.otb.ie//HH-low-self-esteem-low-confidence
www.otb.ie/HH-20-powerful-strategies
www.otb.ie/HH-resilience-for-parents
Self Esteem resources:
Books for parents:
Helping Children Who Think They Are Worthless by Margot Sunderland and Nicky Armstrong
ISBN: 860-1-4062-7-045-9
Banish Your Self-Esteem Thief: A Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workbook on Building Positive Self-esteem for Young People (Gremlin and Thief CBT Workbooks) by Kate Collins-Donnelly
ISBN: 978-1849054621
Helping Children with Low Self-Esteem by Margot Sunderland
ISBN: 978-0-8638-847-0-2
Books for Children:
Helping Children to Build Self Esteem A photocopiable activities book by Deborah M. Plummer and Alice Harper
ISBN: 978-1-8431-0-488-9
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud and David Messing
ISBN: 978-0-9960-999-3-6
Giraffes Can't Dance Board book by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
ISBN: 978-0-545-39255-6
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
ISBN: 978 1-5545-370-4-4
Being Me: A Kid's Guide to Boosting Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem by Wendy L. Moss
ISBN 978-1433808845
Self-Kindness For Kids: Whizzo-Voice To The Rescue! By Fiona Forman
ISBN: 978-1-9069-2698-4
Useful Websites:
kidshealth.org/en/parents/self-esteem.
https://www.todaysparent.com/family/parenting/how-to-build-your-childs-self-esteem/
https://www.nhs.uk/search/?collection=nhs-meta&query=self+esteem+child
www.otb.ie/HH-building-self-esteem-in-children
www.otb.ie/HH-encourage-my-childs-confidence
Anger resources:
Reading for parents:
Starving the Anger Gremlin
A Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Book on Anger Management for Young People by Kate Collins-Donnelly
ISBN: 978-1-84905-286-3
Working with Anger and Young People by Nick Luxmoore
ISBN: 978-1-84310-466-7
Little Volcanoes
Helping Young Children and Their Parents Deal with Anger by Warick Pudney and Elaine Whitehouse
ISBN: 978-1-84905-217-7
Helping Children Locked in Rage or Hate by Margot Sunderland
ISBN: 978 -0-86388-465-8
What to Do When Your Temper Flares: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Problems with Anger by Dawn Huebner and Bonnie Matthews
ISBN: 978-1-433801-34-1
Stay Cool and In Control with the Keep-Calm Guru: Wise Ways for Children to Regulate their Emotions and Senses by Lauren Brukner
ISBN: 978-1-785927-1-40
The Red Beast. Controlling Anger in Children with Asperger’s Syndrome by K.I Al-Ghani and Haitham Al-Ghani
ISBN: 978-1-84310-943-3
Reading for children:
A volcano in my tummy:
Helping children to handle anger by Elaine Whitehouse and Warick Pudney
ISBN: 978-0-8657-1-3499
Take Charge of Anger: Kids Can Cope by Gill Hasson
ISBN: 978-1-6319-845-7-0
Mad isn’t Bad:
A child’s book about anger (Elf-help book for kids) by Michaelene Mundy and R.W. Alley
ISBN: 978-1-4976-8302-0
Everybody Feels ANGRY by Jane Bingham
ISBN: 978-1-78171-616-8
How to Take the Grrrr Out of Anger (Laugh & Learn) by Elizabeth Verdick and Marjorie Lisovskis
ISBN: 978-1-5754-249-4-1
Feeling Angry (Everyday Feelings) by Katie Douglass and Mike Gordon
ISBN 978-1-526300-1-57
Hello Happy! Mindful Kids: An activity book for young people who sometimes feel sad or angry by Stephanie Clarkson and Katie Abey
ISBN: 978-1-7837-089-9-4
Useful websites:
https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/feelings-and-symptoms/anger
https://stressfreekids.com/10502/12-ways-to-help-angry-child/
www.ahaparenting.com/parenting-tools/emotional-intelligence/angry-child
www.otb.ie/HH-help-your-child-with-anger
Resources for Sibling Rivalry:
Books for Parents:
How to Prevent and Manage Sibling Rivalry Amongst Brothers by David Leads
ISBN: 978-1-5027-658-7-1
Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
ISBN: 978-0-3933-422-1-5
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk Paperback by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
ISBN: 978-1-8481-230-9-0
Calm Parents, Happy Siblings : How to stop the fighting and raise friends for life by Dr Laura Markham
ISBN: 978-1-7850-402-5-2
Books for Children:
What Baby Needs by William Sears, Martha Sears and Christie Watts Kelly
ISBN: 978-0-3167-882-8-1
The Peanuts Guide to Brothers and Sisters by Charles M. Schulz
ISBN: 978-1-782-1136-9-0
We'll Paint the Octopus Red by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen and Pam DeVito
ISBN: 978-1-8906-270-6-5
When Mummy Laid an Egg by Babette Cole
ISBN: 978-0-0992-991-1-0
I'm a Big Sister by Joanna Cole and Rosalinda Kightley
ISBN: 978-0-0619-006-2-4
I’m a Big Brother by Joanna Cole and Rosalinda Kightley
ISBN: 978-0-0619-006-5-5
Useful Websites:
https://www.sibs.org.uk › ... › Parents – supporting your sibling child
www.ahaparenting.com/parenting-tools/siblings/siblings-101
kidshealth.org/en/kids/sibling-rivalry.html
raisingchildren.net.au/articles/preventing_fights.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/.../why-kids-hit-siblings-and-how-help-them-stop
www.otb.ie/HH-why-kids-hit-siblings
www.otb.ie/HH-preventing-siblings-fighting
The Strong Willed Child Resources:
Reading for Parents
1-2-3 Magic Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 by Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D
ISBN: 978-1-889140-16-2
Try and make me! Simple Strategies that turn off the tantrums and create cooperation by Ray Levy and Bill O’Hanlon
ISBN: 1-57954-553-X
Why Can’t My Child Behave?
Empathic Parenting Strategies that Work for Adoptive and Foster Families by Dr Amber Elliott
ISBN: 978-1-84905-339-6
Parenting the Strong Willed Child: The Clinically Proven Five-Week Programme of Parents of Two – to Six – Years Olds by Nicholas Long and Rex Forehand
ISBN: 978-0-07-166782-1
Love Bombing: Resetting Your Child’s Emotional Thermostat by Oliver James
ISBN: 978-1-78049-137-0
Strong Willed Child or Dreamer by Dana Scott Spear and Ron L Braund
ISBN: 978-0-7852-7700-0-2
Reading for Children:
A Nifflenoo Called Nevermind: A Story for Children Who Bottle Up Their Feelings by Margot Sunderland and Nicky Armstrong
ISBN: 978-1-86388-496-2
Self-Control to the Rescue!: Super Powers to Help Kids Through the Tough Stuff in Everyday by Lauren Brukner and Apsley
ISBN: 978-1-7859-275-9-1
How to be a Superhero Called Self-Control!: Super Powers to Help Younger Children to Regulate their Emotions and Senses by Lauren Brukner
ISBN: 978-1-849-0571-72
Why Do I Have To?: A Book for Children Who Find Themselves Frustrated by Everyday Rules by Laurie Leventhal-Belfar
ISBN: 987-1843-1089-1-7
Useful Websites:
www.ahaparenting.com/parenting-tools/positive.../Parenting-Strong-Willed-Child
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/family.../staying-sane-strong-willed-kids
https://www.nhs.uk/news/pregnancy-and-child/new-guidelines-on-child-antisocial-behaviour
www.otb.ie/HH-what-is-a-strong-willed-child
Resources for Bullying:
Books for Parents:
Empowering Children Against Bullies : A Parental Guide by Vicky Omifolaji
ISBN: 978-1-51431-26-3-6
Books for Children:
Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Bullies by Howard Binkow and Susan F. Cornelison
ISBN: 978-0-9715390-6-8
Tales from the Bully Box by Cat Woods
ISBN: 978-1-940-180-0-69
Stand in my Shoes/ Kids Learning About Empathy by Bob Sornson and Shelly Johannes
ISBN: 978-1-935326458
The Invisible Boy by Trudi Ludwig and Patrice Barton
ISBN: 978-1582-464-50--3
The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up for Others by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy
ISBN:978-0-7852-770-02
Bully Beans by Julia Cook and Anita DuFalla
ISBN: 978-1-931636-49-0
Useful Websites:
https://www.bullying.co.uk/advice-for.../what-to-do-if-your-child-is-being-bullied/
https://www.kidshealth.org/en/parents/bullies
https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Bullying/Pages/Bullyingadviceforparents.aspx
https://www.kidscape.org.uk/advice/advice-for-parents.../supporting-a-bullied-child
www.otb.ie/HH-if-your-child-is-being-bullied
Coping with suicide
Self-harm and Suicide (Papyrus)
PAPYRUS is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. PAPYRUS was founded in 1997 by a mother, Jean Kerr, from Lancashire following the loss of her son to suicide.
The organisation have recently published a guide for parents created by those who have experience of supporting a young person struggling with their mental health. Whilst the booklet it aimed at parents, I'm sure staff would find the support it gives useful too.
Download: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Supporting-Your-Child-A-Guide-for-Parents.pdf
HOPELINEUK Helpline
The HOPELINK helpline is available to anyone under 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, and anyone who may be concerned about them. Papyrus' trained suicide prevention advisers are trained to help young people focus on staying safe from suicide. Their training enables them to provide advice and support to help forward and stay alive.
Debriefing Support
As well as supporting young people experiencing thoughts of suicide, we also offer a debriefing service for professionals who have recently had an encounter with suicide & would like to talk it through with a professional.
Call: 0800 068 4141
Text: 07860039967
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Opening hours:
Weekdays 9am – 10pm
Weekends 2pm – 10pm
Bank Holidays 2pm – 10pm
Language is important: avoiding saying Committed Suicide
Suicide is not a criminal act (Papyrus)
"We urge you not to use the term ‘committed suicide’.
Changes made in the Suicide Act of 1961 decriminalised the act of suicide in the UK. The word ‘commit’ treats it as if it were still a crime, which perpetuates the stigma around suicide and is offensive to families and friends."
Instead use phrases like died by suicide or took their own life.
What to do if your child sees something upsetting online (Safer Internet Centre) https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/blog/advice-parents-what-do-if-your-child-sees-something-upsetting-online
Online resources for parents & carers (Childnet International)
https://www.childnet.com/ufiles/Parents-and-carers-resource-sheet-1019.pdf