As parents and carers we do our very best to ensure our children are growing strong and healthy bodies, lets not forget to also help them grow, strong and healthy minds and wellbeing!
We try to shelter our children and protect them from topics and world events that we see as being too much for them to deal with, but our children can not be fully protected from the impact that Covid-19 - a world wide Pandemic has had on our lives, our freedoms and our mental health.
It would be fair to describe the events of the past 2 years as crazy, scary, uncertain, stressful, monumental, life changing and exhausting.. and it is no different for the children in our lives.
There are so many ways we can support and encourage our children's wellbeing and positive mental health and many wonderful resources available for us to access. Here are just a few you may find useful.
Children’s mental health resources
Kids Helpline – Provides private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Website: www.kidshelpline.com.au Telephone: 1800 55 1800
Beyond Blue – Provides information, and support for depression, anxiety and suicide prevention. Website: www.beyondblue.org.au Telephone: 1300 224 636
Headspace – Provides young people with information and resources on mental health, physical health, work and study support, and alcohol and other drug services. Website: www.headspace.org.au Telephone: 1800 650 890
Lifeline Australia – Provide access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Website: www.lifeline.org.au Telephone: 13 11 14
Keep checking in and supporting children and each other as we navigate life’s and ups and downs together.
There are many wonderful children's books available to help them grasp the concepts around Coviud-19, lockdowns, face masks and staying healthy!
"Birdie and the Virus" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InuOM5w60C8