Helping children adapt to change in a global pandemic

Since early 2020 we’ve all had to adapt to an incredible amount of change. So much of what we do now is different and as a consequence there’s been an increasing need for support for mental health.

For our latest episode of Get Real: Talking Mental Health and Disability podcast we spoke with?paediatric psychologist Michelle Macpherson who has more than 20 years in the field of educational and developmental psychology. We wanted to know what she had observed about the needs of children and families amid the global pandemic.

Michelle is passionate about supporting children to adapt to change and one of the ways she does this is through her initiative?Dragonfly Global, which produces positive children's books.?Michelle founded this positive change movement in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic and its effects on children and families.??

Michelle realised the best way for her to help children navigate change was to write a children’s book that would entertain, empower, inspire and strengthen them.?That book is called?A Global Pandemic Won’t Change Me?– the story of Emily, a spirited young girl who embarks on a journey of self-discovery amidst a time of change and challenge.

Michelle says that something that is important for adults is the time to be reflective in our own practices – teachers, healthcare providers, parents, everyone… So that we can support our own needs and then support those around us. The analogy of putting the oxygen mask on ourselves first immediately comes to my mind…

It’s a fascinating conversation and talking about mental health is something that we can never have enough of.