Children

Children often see clinical psychologists for a range of conditions (click here for list of psychological and health conditions treated by Insight). Another, reason children see clinical psychologists are for assessments of their developmental functioning and/or specific learning problems and specific teaching plans to accommodate or remediate these difficulties.

Generally, a problem shows when children or young people have ongoing distress or when they have
difficulties coping, getting on with others or keeping an
interest in what they are doing.

Depending on the child’s age involving the parents or principal care-givers is crucial to the outcome of therapy. Often parent’s can help by just reading a book with a child about their fears, illness, emotions or concerns as this can be a useful way to help a child understand what they may be experiencing and that they are not abnormal or necessarily bad. This also provides an avenue for children to discuss their feelings.

At the same time it is not uncommon for children to have similar difficulties to their parents, especially anxiety disorders. If as a parent, you recognize some of your own difficulties in your children this could present an opportunity for you to work on them together.

Below are lists of useful sites with information on common childhood difficulties and children’s books, which may be of assistance.

Sites for children and parents

DISCLAIMER
Insight  does not endorse any of the links listed on this site.
The resources and information on this website is provided on the basis that all persons accessing the site undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content.

• Australian association of infant mental health  (http://www.aaimhi.org/)
• Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association - www.aicafmha.net.au

Latest news, information and resources on a wide range of issues regarding well-being and mental health.

• Depression in Children on South Australian Governments Child and Youth Health Service www.cyh.com

Information on rates, signs of depression, causes and what can be done to address childhood depression.

• How was you day www.howwasyourday.com

Site for parents to give them strategies manage impact of bullying.

• Kids Help Line Infosheets http://www.kidshelp.com.au/home_KHL.aspx?s=6
• KidsHealth www.kidshealth.org

Articles on dealing with feelings covering school, home, family, friends and emotions.

• Kids in Mind www.kidsinmind.org.au

A specific site for information on child and youth mental health services in Queensland.

• Health Insite (www)

Reliable information on range of children’s mental health and issues that may impact upon their well-being such as bullying, stepfamilies etc.

• The Child Anxiety Network www.childanxiety.net

Information and resources on child anxiety

• Triple P Positive Parenting Program www.triplep.net

Helpful tip sheets on a variety of parenting issues.

• ParentLine www.parentline.com.au

Useful information and telephone support

BOOKS

Anxiety
David and the worry beast; Helping children cope with anxiety – Anne Marie Guanci
When my worries get to big! A relaxation book for children who live with anxiety – Kari Buron
Depression
What to do when you grumble too much; a Kid’s guide to overcoming negativity – Dawn Huebner
Feelings
Feelings to share from A to Z – Todd Snow
My book full of feelings: How to control and react to the size of your emotions – Amy Jaffe