Discover more resources
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Fact sheet
Communicating with your baby when you have a mental illness
The COPMI national initiativeBabies can pick up even subtle changes in mood and behaviour when their parent is unwell. This fact sheet will help a parent with a mental illness to connect with their baby so that they feel secure and nurtured. -
Video
The impact of natural disasters on babies and young children
Emerging MindsThis video discusses some of the behaviours you may see in children after a disaster event and what factors can assist them in developing resilience. -
Report
All babies count: Prevention and protection for vulnerable babies
Chris Cuthbert, Gwynne Rayns and Kate StanleyThis document discusses the issue of maltreatment in pregnancy and provides information on working with vulnerable families and children during the perinatal period and infancy. The document has a strong focus on child abuse during this period. -
Research summary
Highlights in child mental health research: September 2024
Prepared by AIFSThis September 2024 research summary provides a selection of recently released papers, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses related to infant and child mental health. Each summary includes an introductory overview of the content for the month, followed by a list of selected articles. Each article is accompanied by a brief synopsis which presents the key messages and highlights. Links to abstracts, full-text articles and related resources, where available, are provided. -
Practice paper
Play and creative expression
Emerging MindsThis resource demonstrates the importance of encouraging play and creative expression to help children unpack, explore and process difficult experiences like disaster. Creative expression is encouraged as a way for children to communicate about complex emotions and feelings, especially when they might be difficult to articulate verbally -
Practice paper
Support networks
Emerging MindsIn addition to the support of extended family, friends and the learning community, responses from governments and specialist mental health services plus digital resources are important to the successful recovery of children and families after a disaster. -
Practice paper
Routines and predictability
Emerging MindsRe-establishing routines and setting boundaries and expectations are important for restoring children's sense of stability and safety after a disaster, especially when they have to spend time away from their parents or home. -
Practice paper
Emotional regulation
Emerging MindsThis resource explains the importance of connection, emotional literacy and environment in helping children feel safe, and how regulation can be achieved through the body using sensory- and movement-based exercises, along with fun, relaxing and mindfulness activities. -
Practice paper
Child–adult relationships
Emerging MindsFollowing a disaster it's common for children to experience increased separation anxiety. This resources explores how parents can help children to develop safe relationships with other caring adults. -
Practice paper
Communication and meaning-making
Emerging MindsThis resource offers strategies to support children in making sense of their experiences and process their feelings to help reduce distress, and prevent trauma and mental health difficulties. -
Research summary
Highlights in child mental health research: August 2024
Prepared by AIFSThis August 2024 research summary provides a selection of recently released papers, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses related to infant and child mental health. Each summary includes an introductory overview of the content for the month, followed by a list of selected articles. Each article is accompanied by a brief synopsis which presents the key messages and highlights. Links to abstracts, full-text articles and related resources, where available, are provided. -
Webinar
Supporting infants and toddlers’ resilience during daily transitions
Child Family Community Australia & Emerging MindsCo-produced with Child Family Community Australia (CFCA), this webinar focuses on promoting infants and toddlers' confidence and sense of security by supporting parents/carers and educators to provide responsive and consistent daily transitions.