The power of a story: Talking to young children about mental health

About this webinar

It is often misunderstood that children in the early years (0-5) have their own unique mental health needs and experiences. It can also be hard to talk to young children about how they feel, in a sensitive and developmentally appropriate way.

Storytelling can be a powerful way to connect adults and children, introducing new ideas and concepts. We are proud to introduce our Early Years in Mind story and guide, Sometimes Happy, Sometimes Sad. There are many beautiful stories that follow themes of wellbeing, that are used by skilled educators, parents and carers who dissect these themes with children in their settings or in their care. Come and hear about how this story and guide came about, and how we hope that you can include it in your story time sessions with young children.

This book was created by Laura Henry-Allain and illustrated by Zenovia Grant. The corresponding guide, which helps adults reading this book to children understand the themes contained in the story, was written by Dr Abi Miranda, an Educational Psychologist, and Claudia Coussins, a psychotherapist.

In this webinar, you will meet the author and illustrator, and be part of a conversation discussing how we can creatively support children to develop a positive state of wellbeing using stories like Sometimes Happy, Sometimes Sad

There will also be an opportunity for participants to share in the chat function, the books they have used to help children understand their emotions and mental health.

Aims of this webinar

Hear about how our Early Years in Mind story and guide, Sometimes Happy, Sometimes Sad came about, and how we hope that you can include it in your story time sessions with young children.

Who is this webinar for?

• Nurse practitioners

• Counsellors

• Family therapists

• Mental health practitioners 

• Psychiatrists

• Psychologists   

• Psychotherapists

• Social Workers

• Teachers/support staff       

• Therapists

• Local authority staff members

• Early years practitioners