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Resources
We've put together a list of helpful resources that we've used both with our own children and those we work with. Please note we do not receive any incentives to recommend or review these resources.
Apps & games
'Animal Crossing' (Nintendo Switch)
Super cute and super calming! A slow-paced, relaxing Island with beautiful scenery.
'Emotions Manager' (iPad, iPhone) by Estelle Fauchon
Great for teaching children how to cope with emotions.
'Exploring Emotions' (iPad, Iphone) by Selosoft
One of our favourite apps for teaching about emotions using gameplay.
'Zones of Regulation App (iPad, iPhone and Android)
Another great app for teaching children about emotions
'Sesame Street - Breath, Think, Do' (Android, iPad & Windows 10)
Fantastic free app for teaching children about emotions.
'Roblox' (Online game)
The best thing about Roblox is it's a really friendly online community that allows children to keep in-touch with their friends. Most of the games within Roblox are low or non-violent and involve lots of building quests.
Fortnite (Online gamae - Switch, PC, Xbox and PS)
For over 12s. A great online community and a really good game to develop perseverence, team building, communication, patience, resilience and tolerance. For what is basically a 'shooting game' Fortnite (in my opinion) it has some great qualities in terms of supporting children's mental health.
NB It's strongly recommend if your child is playing any type of online game that you keep a close watch on who they are talking too, as there have been well-publicised cases of 'grooming'. But, I would always advise parents to take interest in whatever their children are playing in any case, as this can be a really useful 'connection' strategy.
I do intend to write more about gaming, because it's use as a therapeutic tool is becoming increasingly popular.
Autism Resources
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
A great resource for parents of children with PDA
Stephs Two Girls is an amazing resource for anyone needing further information - especially if you suspect your child has PDA or has been recently diagnosed.
Kristy Forbes - Autism & Neurodiversity support Specialist
Kristy is an adult with PDA and her blogs are always very informative.
A site for autistic people, made by autistic people. Useful resources for supporting/educating parents and teachers.
books
Aware Parenting books by Aletha J Solter, Ph.D
Aletha has written 5 books covering from birth to the teenage years, with clear conscise strategies for raising cooperative, competent and compassionate children.
http://www.awareparenting.com/
The Explosive Child by Ross W Greene
A great book for helping parents find alternative strategies for dealing with behavioural issues.
Cooperative and Connected by Aletha J Solter
Aletha is the founder of the Aware Parenting Institute and her work forms the basis of my practice. She is a Swiss/American psychologist and is recognised internationally as an expert on attachment, trauma and non-punitive discipline. She has written 5 parenting books - starting with the amazing 'Aware Baby', which is guaranteed to help any new parent get off to a good start.
Calmer, Easier, Happier, Parenting by Noel Janis-Norton
My personal favourite positive UK parenting author.
counselling services
SEND SERVICES
A team of advocates who support families and professionals throughout the seND and EHCP process.
Independent Provider of Special Education Advice. An invaluable resource - especially for Educational Health Care Plan applications. Knowing your rights can make a huge difference.
A parent-led information with loads of tips and advice.
school attendance issues
Not Fine in School A fantastic organisation led by Beth Bodycote, the Not Fine in School website has tons of resources for parents of children who are struggling with attendance - including template letters and legal guidance.
Square Peg Another amazing source of information for families. Square Peg works alongside Not Fine in School to lobby parliament to prevent often injustices against our children with SEN. Their website also has plenty of resources for familes who are seeking advice.
General CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH WEBSITES
Young Minds mental health support
HappyMaps mental health support
2bu-somerset LGBTQ support
Somerset Survivors domestic violence support
Thinkyouknow advise for protecting children online