COVID-19 MENTAL HEALTH, PARENTING AND CHILD RESOURCES

In light of the current COVID-19 crisis and my role as a Clinical Psychologist working to support the public through this difficult time, below are a few of the best tools I have found to help parents in supporting their children, and to help adults' mental health generally. I will keep updating this list.

Also, please tune into my Facebook Live Broadcasts every Wednesday evening at 9pm on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pg/drmaliecoyne, or A Lust For Life Facebook page, where I answer parenting queries and discuss how parents can look after their own mental health.

For Parents


The Genesis Programme, Supporting parents and families through the days and weeks ahead. 32 page Irish resource pack with lots of information on supporting children at home and links.

https://flyingstart.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Supporting-Parents-and-Families-through-the-coming-days-and-weeks-resource-pack.pdf


Ombudsman for children, Coronavirus information for children and young people.

https://www.oco.ie/childrens-rights/coronavirus-information-for-children-and-young-people/


Department of Education and Skills, Talking to children and young people about COVID-19 - Advice for Parents and Schools.

https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/talking-to-children-and-young-people-about-covid-19-coronavirus-advice-for-parents-and-schools.pdf


Child Mind Institute, Supporting families during COVID-19. Comprehensive list of resources.

https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/


Child Mind Institute, Facebook Live video chats with expert clinicians.

https://www.facebook.com/ChildMindInstitute/


Child Mind Institute, Talking to kids about the Coronavirus.

https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/


Child Mind Institute, VIDEO on How to talk to kids about the Coronavirus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhVad8ToCiU&feature=youtu.be


Child Mind Institute, Supporting kids during the Coronavirus crisis.

https://childmind.org/article/supporting-kids-during-the-covid-19-crisis/


Child Mind Institute, Supporting teenagers and young adults during the Coronavirus crisis.

https://childmind.org/article/supporting-teenagers-and-young-adults-during-the-coronavirus-crisis/


Raisingchildren.net.au, Talking with children about physical distancing and self-isolation

https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/coronavirus-covid-19-guide/coronavirus-talking-about-distancing-and-isolation


How to care for children if you're sick with COVID-19.

https://www.wired.com/story/coronavirus-parents-caregiving-guide/


Actualise Academy, Anxiety in children: Why it occurs and how to deal with it. Free course.

https://www.actualiseacademy.com/p/anxiety-in-children


Dr. Malie Coyne; Why you shouldn’t try to be the ‘perfect parent’ – you are already good enough

https://www.independent.ie/life/family/parenting/why-you-shouldnt-try-to-be-the-perfect-parent-you-are-already-good-enough-38850688.html

 

 

Storybooks / Workbooks, videos  and social stories for children


Nurse Dotty Books, Picture book to ease children's fears about the Coronavirus

https://nursedottybooks.com/dave-the-dog-is-worried-about-coronavirus-2/


Child Development Center, Social stories for kids about COVID-19

https://childdevcenter.org/news/social-stories-for-kids-about-covid-19/


Sylvie Bloom "Corona, Corona, Corona", Irish video explaining viruses and why we're staying inside.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukCOWPNAkQc


Fiona Forman, Weaving Wellbeing Programme, free 'Well-being journal for kids'.


LONG Creations, My 2020 COVID-19 Time Capsule, free workbook for children documenting their experience to look back on.

https://tinyurl.com/Covid19TimeCapsule-CA


"My hero is you"; Fictional book developed by and for children aged 6-11 to help them understand and cope with COVID19. Available in several languages.

https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/iasc-reference-group-mental-health-and-psychosocial-support-emergency-settings/my-hero-you


Nosy Crow with Axel Scheffler, Free digital information book for primary school children explaining the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it.

https://nosycrow.com/blog/released-today-free-information-book-explaining-coronavirus-children-illustrated-gruffalo-illustrator-axel-scheffler/


Manuela Molina, “Hello I am a virus” short picture book to help explain Coronavirus to children under 7, translated into many languages.

https://www.mindheart.co/descargables


The Stay Home Superheroes by Sophie's Stories is now available FREE to view and download as a beautifully illustrated eBook!

https://issuu.com/sophie_marsh/docs/stay_home_superheroes


Meditations for children


Louise Shanagher, Children's therapist and mindfulness teacher. Free video meditations.

https://www.louiseshanagher.com/guidedmeditations


Niall Breslin (Bressie) Kids Mindfulness Classes, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5pm.

https://www.facebook.com/whereismymindpodcast/


Marie's Mindfulness and Meditation for children, Kids Mindfulness Live Stream private Facebook group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/683016812443644/

For Adults


A Lust for Life, Self-care during COVID-19 Facebook Live Broadcasts (weekdays).

https://www.alustforlife.com/tools/self-care-during-covid19-a-lust-for-life-live-broadcasts


HSE, Minding your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak.

https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/mental-health/minding-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak.html


Rachel Masterson, Minding your mind with a routine when working from home during COVID19

https://www.alustforlife.com/the-bigger-picture/minding-your-mind-with-a-routine-when-working-from-home-during-covid19


Fiona Brennan, Staying calm during COVID19. Video with lovely meditation.

https://www.alustforlife.com/tools/staying-calm-during-covid19


Actualise Academy, Fasten your own seat belt first. Free stress management course.

https://www.actualiseacademy.com/p/fasten-your-own-seat-belt-first


Centre for Clinical Interventions, "What? Me Worry?: Accepting uncertainty" Practical Exercises

https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/CCI/Consumer%20Modules/What%20Me%20Worry/What%20Me%20Worry%20-%2009%20-%20Accepting%20Uncertainty.pdf


Dr. Russ Harris, FACE COVID Animated Video - How to respond effectively to the Coronavirus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmvNCdpHUYM


The Wellness Society, Free "Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook": A tool to help you build resilience during difficult times

https://thewellnesssociety.org/free-coronavirus-anxiety-workbook/

Compassion and Mindfulness practices


Beamont Hospital, Huge bank of free audio relaxation / mindfulness exercises.

http://www.beaumont.ie/index.jsp?p=528&n=532&a=0


Chris Germer, free audio and downloadable meditations.

https://chrisgermer.com/meditations/


Stress control, Free audio relaxation and mindfulness exercises.

www.stresscontrolaudio.comsite


Sounds True, Free videos on self-compassion, and on how it changes everything.

https://www.soundstrue.com/store/power-of-self-compassion/why-self-compassion-is-important


Netmums.com, The compassionate mind approach. Free programme with links.

https://www.netmums.com/support/the-compassionate-mind-approach


The Sanctuary, free weekly online meditation sessions (3 times per week via Zoom)

https://www.sanctuary.ie/


Sharon Fitzmaurice, Free online meditations - Facebook Public Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SharonFitzmaurice/events/


Chris Germer and Kristin Neff, 10 Self-compassion practices for COVID19

https://centerformsc.org/10-self-compassion-practices-for-covid-19/

Lists of supports / services during COVID19