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Book
A terrible thing happened: A story for children who have witnessed violence or trauma
Margaret M. HolmesThis gently-told and tenderly-illustrated story is for children (4-8 year olds) who have witnessed any kind of violent or traumatic behaviour, including physical abuse, school or gang violence, accidents, homicide, suicide, and natural disasters such as floods or fire. -
Website
Books on anger, violence and tantrums
Little ParachutesThis website offers a collection of books that help reassure children that feeling angry from time to time is normal, and offer practical ways to neutralise this anger. -
Research paper
Children’s exposure to domestic and family violence
Child Family Community AustraliaThis paper examines the literature assessing children's exposure to domestic and family violence, and findings that domestic and family violence can affect children's behaviour, schooling, cognitive development, mental and physical wellbeing, and is the leading cause of homelessness for children. Children who grow up in families where domestic and family violence occur are also more likely to experience other forms of child abuse, such as sexual, physical and emotional abuse/maltreatment. The effects of such multi-victimisation require attention in policy, practice and research. -
Practice paper
Wellbeing for workers supporting children and families after a disaster
Emerging MindsThis resource focuses on how to look after your own wellbeing as a practitioner or worker when supporting children and families after a disaster. -
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. -
Short article
Climate change-related worry in children and young people: What does the research evidence say?
Anagha Joshi, Australian Institute of Family StudiesThis article describes the research evidence about climate change-related worry in children and young people. -
Practice paper
Practices for supporting infant and child mental health after disasters
Emerging MindsThis paper provides practice guidance for addressing the immediate and long-term impacts of disasters on infant and child mental health using multifaceted approaches that promote resilience and mental health recovery.