Resources
In order to help you find the right resources for you and your child, I've complied a list of websites and books below that I have found useful:
Helpful Websites
Autism
Here to help the 700,000 autistic people in the UK and their families. Be it running specialist schools, campaigning for improved rights or training companies on being more autism-friendly, they are dedicated to transforming lives and changing attitudes.
Heads Together
Heads Together is a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, which combines a campaign to tackle stigma and change the conversation on mental health with fundraising for a series of innovative new mental
health services. Great information and resources are available on their website for people working with children and young people.
https://mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk
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Herts Mind Network
Funded locally, their services are available to all residents in Hertfordshire over the age of 18 and they offer dedicated services for 5-18 year olds.
https://www.hertsmindnetwork.org/
Mind
Mind is a mental health charity that offers information and advice to people with mental health problems. They can help with questions about mental health problems including where to get help near you, treatment options and the advocacy services available. You can call Infoline on 0300 123 3393 (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays).
Shout
Shout is a free text messaging service that provides 24/7 support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. By texting the word SHOUT to 85258 you will start a conversation with a trained Shout Volunteer, who will text you back and forth, sharing only what you feel comfortable with. The aim is to help texters move from a moment of crisis to a calm state and form a plan for next steps to find longer term support.
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The Mix
Whether you’re 13, 25, or any age in between, they're here to take on the embarrassing problems, weird questions, and please-don’t-make-me-say-it-out-loud thoughts you have. They give you the information and support you need to deal with it all. Because you can. Because you’re awesome.
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YoungMinds
YoungMinds is a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents.
If you're struggling with how you feel their website is full of helpful advice. A Parents Helpline is also available. You can call them for free on 0808 802 5544 from 9.30am-4pm, Monday Friday.
Helpful Books
Raising Good Humans - By Hunter Clarke-Fields
This was a really interesting book to listen to. It helps you reflect on how you were parented and how much of what you do with your own children, right or wrong has come from your parents!. It helps you evaluate your parenting and question it! Am I doing this because it's the right thing to do or am I doing it because I was parented that way!
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Parenting the New Teen in the Age of Anxiety by Dr John Duffy
I can honestly say that this book changed my relationship with my girls already and that's HUGE!. Being able to mentally put myself in their shoes (something I have not been able to do previously) has been a real godsend (it was one of the reasons I joined SnapChat)! This book is a must have for all parents, you won't regret reading it, I'm sure of that.
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Nurturing Young Minds by Ramesh Manocha
The book is a really easy listen (on Audible), it's not too scientific and has lots of examples so makes it really easy to understand. A lot of the research is based in Australia but that said, it's happening everywhere, obviously if you want to know more about the specific stats for this country, then I'm sure you will find them. It covers topics such as:
- Understanding Teen Sleep and Drowsy Kids
- Emotions and Relationships
- Understanding the Teenage Brain
- Healthy Habits for a Digital Life
- Problematic Internet Use and How to Manage It
- Computer Game Addiction and Mental Wellbeing
The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively By: Gary Chapman, Ross Campbell
If you have never read this book, I urge to do so, it's fascinating. Have you ever wondered why one of your children likes lots of cuddles and the other likes gifts? Well that's because they have different love languages. When you learn what these are and how to identify them it's a real game changer.
10 Things Girls Need Most by Steve Biddulph
I absolutely love this guy, he has such a lovely unassuming nature, I did a workshop recently with him and was in awe of his ability to address difficult subjects with such compassion. This book is such a fantastic reminder of what our girls need, it's where I got the idea of celebrating my daughters coming into women hood. You forget all the things that girls need as you get older, if feels like a lifetime ago that I was a child!! It's a great book to dip in and out of.
Fighting Invisible Tigers by Earl Hipp
If you have a teenager in the house (or preteen), this book is really handy to have laying around.
It's written in an easy way for them to understand and is aimed directed at them.
It's a really useful guide for things that they may be facing at various times throughout their teens from trying new things, to taking charge of their life and assertiveness skills. All things we teach as Kids Life Coaches.
Mum, What's wrong with You?, 101 Things Only Mothers of Teenage Girls Know" by Lorraine Candy.
If you are the mum of a teenager and really want to laugh (and perhaps cry), please read Lorraine's book. It's very funny. It's like she is a fly on the wall in my house, capturing moments I've been through with such humour, but she also backs up what she is saying with science.