Our children's wellbeing and mental health is the most important thing to support at the moment. If your child is feeling anxious, they will find learning much more difficult.

On this page, there are several different resources produced by the Educational Psychology service to use to support children's wellbeing and mental health.

Young minds parents’ survival guide

Click on the picture to find tips for looking after your child while also looking after yourself.

Families Under pressure

During this stressful and cooped-up time, don’t let the pressure of parenting get you down. Try these simple tricks and tips, formulated by Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke and the POP-UP team, which are backed by science and proven to work with families.  The videos are presented by celebrities including Holly Willoughby and Rob Brydon, and are fun and engaging.  They are evidence-based and developed by experts in child development and behaviour.

Here is the link: https://familiesunderpressure.maudsleycharity.org/

Therapeutic and Social Stories: 

The following links are to stories that can support children's understanding about the global pandemic. 

The Elf who Missed His Birthday Party (PDF attached below)- This is a therapeutic story. It includes guidance for parents about how to deal with conversations and emotions following reading the story. 

Dave the Dog is Worried - This story is suitable for children between 4 and 7 year olds. 

Staying Home- A story about a family that have to stay home to stay safe.

Everyone Worries - A story that offers support to children who are worried.

Guidance on talking to children about coronavirus:

British Psychological Society- Why it is important to talk to your children about coronavirus

                                                  - Talking to children about illness (PDF attached below)

National Centre for Children and Families- Advice for parents and carers

Young Minds - Advice for parents and carers

Every Mind Matters: 

The NHS have the Every Mind Matters campaign. There is a lot of information relating to adult and child mental health during the coronavirus. 

Positive Parenting in Stressful Times:

Top Ten Tips (PDF attached below)

Calming Activities: 

Virtual Calm Down Activities - A selection of calming activities for when children are feeling anxious or stressed.

Theraplay Activities: 

PDF Document attached below. Theraplay activities are excellent ways to help children feel calm and to help build connections with those they are playing with.