Resources for children aged up to 6 years

Book/s

A Terrible Thing Happened-A Story for Children Who Have Witnessed Violence or Trauma (USA) Margaret M. Holmes (Published by Magination Press) 2000
A picture book for 4-8 year old children who have witnessed any kind of violent or traumatic episode. It uses friendly animal characters to tell the story, which centres around Sherman, who has had something terrible happen to him. The story explores the ways this made him feel and what helped him to feel better.
Availability: Web:http://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/4416428.aspx

Big and Me David Miller 2008
Big and Small are machines that work together as a team. But some days Big goes a bit wobbly, and Small gets worried. Big malfunctions in a variety of ways and Small tries to help with the assistance of The Boss and Mechanic. The story is a metaphor for a child living with an adult who suffers from mental illness. Big and Me is dramatically illustrated with paper sculpture. Review available from COPMI weblink below.

Availability: Ford St Publishing
Web:http://www.fordstreetpublishing.com/
Review available from: COPMI website - Reviews section

Blue Polar Bear (The) Samantha Tidy and Ian Forss 2005
Developed as part of the Dual Diagnosis Support Kit produced by the NSW Department of Community Services, this book for children 5-7 years aims to assist workers carers and parents to introduce the issues of parental dual diagnosis (mental illness and substance misuse), explore concerns and encourage positive coping and help-seeking behaviours.
Availability: Web:http://www.nscchealth.nsw.gov.au/carersupport/fami/ddkit/default.shtml

Can I Catch It Like A Cold? (Canada) Gretchen Kelbaugh
A story to help children understand a parent's depression. Aimed at children in the 5-9 year age range.
Availability: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
33 Russell Street Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 2S1 Email: marketing@camh.net
Web:http://www.camh.net/Publications/CAMH_Publications/canicatch_likecold.html

Jake's Dinosaur Ann Sved-Williams 1996
Jake's Dinosaur is a picture storybook written especially for children whose mothers have developed problems with their mental health. In reading the picture storybook together, families with children in such a situation can explore the issues together. The author, Anne Sved Williams, is a consultant psychiatrist who is the Director of Helen Mayo House. The book is illustrated by renowned Australian children's book illustrator, John Siow.

Availability: Helen Mayo House, Glenside Hospital
PO Box 17 Eastwood 5063 (08) 8303 1451

Making Mummy Better Denise Scott (Published by Spectrum Publications) 2001
A picture book about Sally, who's mum has had a new baby and is now suffering from post-natal depression. This book gives comfort and reassurance to 3-9 year olds in the same situation, that it is possible for their mums to get better with help, support and time.
Availability: Spectrum Publications
Email: spectpub@ozemail.com.au

Mark's Mum is Depressed (Finland) National Family Association Promoting Mental Health in Tampere, Finland 2003
This illustrated book (along with 'Mia's Dad is Strange)for children and families, has been produced by the National Family Association Promoting Mental Health in Tampere, Finland in 2003. They were both developed for children under 12 years of age with the intention of explaining the effects of a parent's psychosis (Mia) and depression (Mark) on a child's everyday life. The books cost 5 Euro each (plus postage) and can be ordered by emailing 'The National Family Association from Promoting Mental Health in Tampere' - see English page on their website for details.
Availability: The National Family Association for Promoting Health in Tampere
Hämeenkatu 25 A 33200 Tampere, Finland Web:http://omaiset-tampere.fi/

Mia's Dad is Strange (Finland) National Family Association Promoting Mental Health in Tampere, Finland 2003
This illustrated book (along with 'Mark's Mum is Depressed) for children and families, has been produced by the National Family Association Promoting Mental Health in Tampere, Finland in 2003. They were both developed for children under 12 years of age with the intention of explaining the effects of a parent's psychosis (Mia) and depression (Mark) on a child's everyday life. The books cost 5 Euro each (plus postage) and can be ordered by emailing 'The National Family Association from Promoting Mental Health in Tampere' - see English page on their website for details.
Availability: The National Family Association for Promoting Health in Tampere
Hämeenkatu 25 A 33200 Tampere, Finland Web:http://omaiset-tampere.fi/

Robby Rose and Monkey Andrea Louis 1995
Robby Rose and Monkey is a delightful, whimsical story about post-natal depression woven around the life of Monkey, Robby's toy friend. Through Monkey, and with gentle humour, the story explores Robby's response to a new baby and an unwell mother. The author, Andrea Louis, is a clinical psychologist specialising in post-natal depression and parent child interaction. The book is illustrated by renowned Australian children's book illustrator, John Siow.

To order this publication at a cost of $A15 plus postage and packaging, please contact Helen Mayo House or e-mail Anne Sved Williams at svedwill@hcn.net.au

Availability: Helen Mayo House, Glenside Hospital
PO Box 17 Eastwood,SA 5063 08 83031451
Email: Anne Sved Williams at svedwill@hcn.net.au

Something Has Happened: An activity book for young people (New Zealand) Tricia Irving 2000
An activity book for young children (aged 3-6 years old) who are facing difficult times. It is designed to be personalised by each child. There are guidelines on every page for a parent or carer as they help a child with the book.
Availability: Skylight
PO Box 7309 Wellington South, New Zealand 0800 299 100
Email: support@skylight-trust.org.nz
Web:http://www.skylight.org.nz

Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry Campbell, Bebe Moore 2003
A little girl copes with her mother's mental illness, with the help of her grandmother and friends. More details at www.penguin.com/young readers

Availability:

Why are you so sad? (USA) Beth Andrews 2002
When a parent has depression, children often feel sad and confused themselves. This interactive book can help by:

- Explaining depression and its treatment in kid terms
- Reassuring children that their parents can get better
- Exploring the many feelings children usually have
- Helping children understand and express their feelings
- Providing practical tips for coping with a parent's depression
- Showing children how they can feel better too

Availability: American Psychological Association
Email: magination@apa.org
Web:http://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/4418366.aspx

Worry Tree, The Marianne Musgrove 2007
An ideal aid in relieving stress or anxiety in children.

Juliet's a worrywart, and no wonder! Her little sister, Oaf, follows her around taking notes and singing 'The Irritating Song' all day long. Her parents are always arguing about Dad's junk. Nana's so tired of craft lessons that she starts barbecuing things in the middle of the night. And Juliet's friends, Lindsay and Gemma, are competing to see which of them is Juliet's best friend. Juliet can't fit in any more worries!
But then she makes a remarkable discovery. Behind the wallpaper in her new bedroom, Juliet uncovers an old painting of a very special tree. Nana remembers it well. It's the Worry Tree, and with the help of a duck called Delia and the other Worry Tree animals, Juliet just might be able to solve some of life's big problems.

Winner of the Australian Family Therapists Award for Children's Literature 2008 and shortlisted for the Queensland Premier's Literary Award for Best Children's Book, the 2008 Adelaide Festival Award for Children's Literature and the Australian Children's Peace Literature Prize 2007

See also Marianne Musgrove - Author
Availability: Review available from: http://www.randomhouse.com.au/Books/Default.aspx?Page=Book&ID=9781741662313

Website/Online

Families where a Parent has a Mental Illness (FaPMI) Website
For children who have an adult family member with a mental illness or mental health issues.
Check the 'Service Directory' tab on website for information about FaPMI.

Availability: Web:http://www.easternhealth.org.au/fapmi.aspx

Puzzles, pictures, and paper airplanes: What we do when our parents get sick (USA) 2001
Strategies for young children of mentally ill parents.
Availability: South Carolilna Deparrtment of Mental Health
Web:http://www.state.sc.us/dmh/schoolbased/puzzles.pdf

Package/Kits

7 Steps to Safety kit
7 Steps to Safety - a kit for parents and carers of children of all ages. It can help give children the skills and confidence they need to feel and be safe at home. Each step can be adapted to suit the needs of individual children, families and cultures.
Availability: NT Families and Children, Department of Health and Families
Web:http://www.childrenandfamilies.nt.gov.au/Families/7_Steps_to_Safety/index.aspx

Dual Diagnosis Support Kit 2006
The Dual Diagnosis Support Kit includes information for workers, foster carers, and parents with dual diagnosis - as well as two storybooks for children aged 5 -7 years and 8 -12 years, plus a handy wallet-sized information card for adolescents.
The kit is downloadable from the DoCS website and available through the website free of charge.

Availability: (02) 9716 2356
Web:http://www.nscchealth.nsw.gov.au/carersupport/fami/ddkit/default.shtml

You Can Ask! Guide for Parents and Caregivers
You Can Ask! offers ideas for helping 3 to 8 year-old children build important social and emotional skills as well as cope with whatever comes their way. Troubling and uncertain times have an emotional impact on adults as well as children. These tips can help you and your child face and talk about unsettling events.
Availability: Web:http://www.sesameworkshop.org/cms_services/services?action=download&uid=ef61f547-8d40-4cd9-86bd-9e1100c9085a

CD/DVD/Videos

Feelings
Sesame Playlists are a collection of games and videos that have been carefully selected to provide your child with just the right mix of entertainment and education.

A playlist includes seven games or videos based on content grouped around an educational theme, some are all videos, others are all games, and some are a combination of the two.

Some of the feelings explored in this playlist include angry, being mad, how do I feel, happy?
Availability: Web:http://www.sesamestreet.org/browseplaylistsbysubject

My mom still loves me
This package includes a book called "Bad Weather Good Weather" and the video "Cat-a-lion", suitable for young children (under 5 years). The video is in puppet form. Cat-a-lion goes to stay with Janet and her mother while his mother is in hospital as she is very unwell with a mental illness. Duration: Approx. 20 minutes Cost Approx. $200 Australian
Availability: Turtle Creek Mental Health, USA
Email: Ashanks@tcvmhmr.org

Care Plans

Baby Care Plan 2004
Care plan for parents to complete providing instructions for the care of an infant while the parent/s is unavailable.
Availability: AICAFMHA
Web:http://www.copmi.net.au/common/download.html

Care Plan 2000
'CarePlan' for a child to fill out with the help from a parent when well and mental health care professional if necessary.
The aim is to have a 'Care Plan' in place should the parent become unwell and need hospitalisation. Children are often concerned who they will stay with and the most frequent question asked is 'Who will give me my pocket money?' Can be downloaded from COMIC website and is part of the 'Supporting Our Family Kit'
Availability: Email: comic.admin@bigpond.com
Web:http://www.howstat.com/comic

Family Support Plan 2006
The Family Safety Plan is aimed at minimising the disruption that occurs when a parent is hospitalised. It can be used when the parent or caregiver is well and the information can be shared with those providing support. It specifies emergency care options, custodial restrictions, medical requirements/medications etc, school/daycare contacts, children?s routines and needs etc.
Availability: The Koping Program (Child & Youth Mental Health Service)
31-33 Robinson Road Nundah 4012 (07) 3266 3100
Email: koping@health.qld.gov.au

Ulysses Agreement - British Columbia Schizophrenia Society 2010
A Ulysses Agreement is a voluntary process, a plan that outlines to others what they should and should not do to support the children and the parent/s. It also allows the parent to plan how their children will be cared for should they relapse and be temporally unable to care for their children. The wellness part of the plan uses components of the Wellness Recovery Plan (WRAP) as designed by Mary Ellen Copeland. A wellness plan outlines what a person does everyday to be the healthiest they can be.

The Ulysses Agreement is designed so that parents with the mental health concern can build a support team (professional & non-professional) that will meet the family?s needs during times of struggle therefore meeting the safety needs of children. This means that it reduces the need for child welfare organisation to become involved with the family.

Ulysses Agreements can be designed for children, youth and adult needs as well. This particular agreement is designed to meet parent's needs.

This document is meant to be a guide. A good Ulysses Agreement is always unique to the person developing it. Feel free to adapt and change it as you need.
Availability: British Columbia Schizophrenia Society
Web:http://www.bcss.org/2009/12/programs/ulysses-agreement-planning-for-support/

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