A general selection of helpful resources that you and your family may find helpful.

Medicines for Children provide information that cover many of the medicines that are prescribed or recommended for children by health professionals. They answer frequent questions, such as how and when to give the medicine, what to do if you forget to give the medicine, and any possible side-effects. Website: www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/medicines/

  • A Teenagers Guide to ADHD is for teenagers who have ADHD or for anyone else who knows a teenager who has ADHD. Website: www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/2022/05/30/information-booklets/ 
  • ADDvanced Solutions Community Network encourages, equips and empowers children, young people and their families living with neurodevelopmental conditions, learning difficulties and associated mental health needs. Website: www.addvancedsolutions.co.uk/
  • ADHD Foundation works in partnership with individuals, families, doctors, teachers and other agencies to improving emotional wellbeing, educational attainment, behaviour and life chances through better understanding and self-management of ADHD. Website: www.adhdfoundation.org.uk
  • ADHD North West provides a free support service to empower and improve the wellbeing of individuals and families affected by an Attention Deficit Disorder and associated conditions. Website: www.adhdnorthwest.org.uk
  • ADDISS provide information and resources about ADHD to anyone who needs assistance, such as parents, sufferers, teachers or health professionals. Website: www.addiss.co.uk/
  • ChAPS offers information and support for individuals who may have an Autism Spectrum Condition. Telephone: 0844 850 8607 Website: www.cheshireautism.org.uk
  • Living with ADHD giving advice for teenages, parents and teachers. Website: www.janssenwithme.co.uk/en-gb/living-with-adhd/home
  • National Autistic Society are the UK’s largest provider of specialist autism services. Website: www.autism.org.uk
  • B.I.R.D. works with children and adults with learning difficulties and also people who have brain injuries and additionally with complex needs and mild learning or behavioural difficulties. Telephone: 0800 028 6256 Website: www.birdcharity.org.uk

  • AnxietyUK provide support and help if you’ve been diagnosed with, or suspect you may have an anxiety condition. Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
  • Mind, Body & Sole is a non profit organisation which aims to raise awareness trying to help individuals to speak up and stop struggling in silence. www.mindbodysole.uk/mental-health-support
  • Moodjuice is designed to help you think about emotional problems and work towards solving them. Website: www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk
  • Positive Penguins offers an educational app developed for children to help them understand why they feel the way they do and help them to challenge their negative thinking. Website: www.positivepenguins.com

The Apps we have listed are currently free* to purchase.

  • Big White Wall – Get round the clock support from therapists to help cope with stress and anxiety
  • Blue Ice – this app helps young people manage their emotions and reduce urges to self-harm
  • Calm Harm – Reduces urges to self-harm and manage emotions in a more positive way
  • Chill Panda – Use breathing techniques to help you relax more, worry less and feel better
  • MeeTwo – A safe and secure forum for teenagers wanting to discuss any issue affecting their lives
  • Sleepio – An online sleep improvement programme, clinically proven to help you fall asleep faster – *free in some areas
  • Thrive – Use games to track your mood and teach yourself methods to control stress and anxiety
  • Molehill Mountain – this app is developed with those with autism and uses adapted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques

NHS Patient Webinars - Fussy Eating in Children
Website: https://patientwebinars.co.uk/condition/fussy-eating-in-children/webinars/

Healthy Start (NHS)
www.healthystart.nhs.uk/

  • The Proud Trust offers support for young people who want to find out more about gender and sexuality, offering youth groups and peer support across the Vale Royal and South Cheshire areas. Website: www.theproudtrust.org

A meltdown happens when someone becomes completely overwhelmed by their current situation and temporarily loses behavioural control.

  • Meltdowns are best understood as a panic attack. They are not a battle to be lost or won, but a crisis to manage
  • You are the child’s emotional brakes. How you manage the meltdown makes a difference to outcomes
  • Separate your relationship with the child from the behaviour
  • Emergency rules apply. Your child should not hurt you, others, or damage property. Remember that if things get damaged in a meltdown it may be replaced or fixed, so prioritise safety
  • Traditional discipline is largely ineffective for meltdowns, the child is not in a state to learn anything

Things you can do during a meltdown

  • Be aware of possible triggers and look for signs that anxiety is rising. Prevention is better than cure
  • Try to always keep calm and level. Shouting or getting angry will not help anyone involved. Be careful about your facial expressions and body language. Keep as neutral as possible, be non-confrontational
  • Reduce stimuli that may add to a child’s sense of being overwhelmed e.g. turn down the volume on the TV, ask other people to keep quiet and not intervene
  • Keep communication to a minimum. Instructions should be short and simple
  • It is better to steer a child towards a positive behaviour, rather than give an order to stop a negative one. Encourage a child to stand still rather than tell them to stop running around
  • Give emotional and physical space. Take a step backward from the situation rather than forward into conflict
  • Encourage a child to exit to a safer place such as their bedroom or outside to the garden. Where possible, guide a child rather than use forced removal. Some children prefer to hide away under a table or cover themselves with a blanket
  • Don’t threaten sanctions, punishments or offer rewards during a meltdown. The child is beyond reason and unable to respond appropriately. Such interventions are likely to increase anxiety rather than act as incentive to stop the behaviour
  • Physical intervention should be a last resort and only be used to keep the child or others safe.
  • Be aware of environmental risks for example, objects that may be used as a weapon, proximity to busy roads
  • For children who run away during a meltdown, providing there are no safety concerns, following at a distance is more beneficial than chasing after them

Following a meltdown

  • Children need time to compose themselves. Their safe place is a good way to do this
  • Offer your child a snack or a drink to help them recover
  • Reassure the child that it is all over. They may need to hear that you still like/love them. Let them know that you understand they could not help their behaviour
  • Try to forget what has happened and start afresh
  • Some children will be very upset by what they have done. They may express remorse or be angry at themselves. Provide reassurance
  • Some children can find it helpful to talk about the incidence, this can provide insight into triggers and causes

Useful Strategies

Choose your battles – Have flexibility in your approach. Is this worth a meltdown? This is not the same as letting a child do as they like. Where a boundary is very important (for example the safety of themselves and others) it is important to reinforce that boundary.

Balance tolerance and demand – Accept that some days their anxiety is going to be so high they will struggle to accept even simple demands, so reduce pressure.

Don’t take it personally – Don’t let what happened yesterday drag into today. It has no benefit to your child or yourself.

Support emotional wellbeing – Find ways to help your child communicate in a comfortable way – text, writing a comment and posting it into a special box, drawing. Emotional health is important, but communication regarding emotions is often hard for children with additional needs.

Voice control – Use a calm, even tone of voice

Shutdowns

A shutdown appears less intense to the outside world but can be equally debilitating. Shutdowns are an emotional response to being overwhelmed but may appear more passive. A child may go quiet or switch off.

Shutdowns can be just as frustrating as meltdowns for children. They often cannot figure out how to react. Allow your child time to process their feelings. Try to limit your talking and avoid passing judgement. Be there to listen to your child when needed. It may be useful to offer your child alternative communication strategies such as text, writing a letter, drawing a picture to reflect how they may be feeling.

  • Cerebra is the national charity dedicated to helping children with brain conditions and their families discover a better life together. Listening to the needs of these families helps us inspire the most helpful research and innovation. Freephone number: 0800 328 1159. Website: https://cerebra.org.uk/get-advice-support/sleep-advice-service/
  • Childline is a free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything. Website: www.childline.org.uk/ Freephone: 0800 1111
  • Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health. Parenting isn’t always easy. Although it is often amazing and rewarding to watch your children grow, and to help them learn to be independent, it can also be really hard work. Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
  • MyMind is run by CWP, CAMHS and has been developed for everyone interested in the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people across Cheshire and Wirral. Website: www.mymind.org.uk
  • The Sleep Charity is an impartial organisation that looks at how you can adopt healthier sleep habits and focuses on raising awareness of a good night’s sleep to help and wellbeing. Website: https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/
  • PAPYRUS created this self-harm and suicide support guide for parents following discussions with parents who have experience of supporting a young person struggling with their mental health. It aims to provide information and guidance to help parents cope with a young person who is struggling with thoughts of suicide, to reassure them they are not alone. It is available in both English and Welsh, link below. www.papyrus-uk.org/papyrus-launch-new-guide-for-parents/

  • Kooth offer ‘free, safe and anonymous’ online support for young people. Website: www.kooth.com
  • The Mix is a free, confidential helpline service for young people under 25 who need help but don’t know where to turn. The Mix provides support for anything you may be going through. Telephone: 0808 808 4994 Website: www.themix.org.uk
  • Visyon is a charity that supports the emotional health of children, young people and their families in the Cheshire and Staffordshire Moorlands area. Telephone: 01260 290 000 Website: www.visyon.org.uk
  • South Cheshire CLASP offers free professional, confidential counselling for lone parent families and step families, including counselling for children. Telephone: 01270 250629. Website: www.southcheshireclasp.org.uk

  • Parentline plus is a helpline which offers information, advice, guidance and support on any aspect of parenting and family life. Telephone: 0808 800 2222. Website: www.familylives.org.uk
  • Motherwell Cheshire CIO offer counselling to mum’s who are experiencing their own anxiety and depression difficulties (especially in combination with their child’s own MH difficulties). Telephone: 01606 557666. Website: www.motherwellcheshirecio.com
  • Wishing Well offers a range of different sessions from Parenting Programmes. One to one advice and family drop-in sessions. Telephone: 01270 256919. Website: www.wishingwellproject.com
  • Your child’s school may have staff who support their pupils and their families as well as teaching your child in the classroom. Ask at your child’s school, they may be able to offer some advice and support about challenging behaviours sometimes seen in children.
  • Children’s Centres in your community offer several services. They may run parenting programmes. They may also be able to offer you some advice and support on parenting issues. You will find their contact details on your local authority website.
  • School Nurses
    Cheshire East     0-19 Live Well service. They can discuss your concerns with you.
    Website: https://livewellservices.cheshireeast.gov.uk/Services/1165. Telephone: 0300 123 4058.
    Cheshire West and Chester Starting Well service based at local Children’s Centres. Website: www.startingwell.org.uk/
  • Cheshire East Local offer is part of Live Well Cheshire East - an online resource providing information and advice for children and adults on topics such as education, staying healthy, care and support and community activities, along with a directory of services. They have links to Positive parenting Training. Website: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/livewell/local-offer-for-children-with-sen-and-disabilities/what-is-the-local-offer/local-offer.aspx
  • Cheshire West and Chester Local offer is a comprehensive site offering advice and support to parents and children. Which may include 1-2-3 Magic. Every day parenting online Course (Free). Triple P. Incredible years programme. By searching the local authority site in which you live you can find the up to date offer for parenting support. Website: www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/Categories/3948
  • Parental Education Growth Support (PEGS) is a social enterprise set up to support parents, carers and guardians who are experiencing Child to Parent Abuse (including those with adult offspring). www.pegsupport.co.uk/

Following considerable research, a set of guidelines have been developed for you to help your child sleep better. There is much evidence to suggest that these strategies can provide long term solutions to sleep difficulties.

We recommend you follow these tips as the initial treatment for primary insomnia (children who are unable to get to sleep rather than those who wake in the night).

Bedtime Routine- these measures will avoid any excuses for needing to get up again

It is important that the time your child goes to bed and the routine remains consistent. Late nights and sleeping in can disrupt the routine for days. Before going to bed ensure that your child:

  1. Goes to the toilet
  2. Is not hungry – main meals should be eaten 1 – 2 hours before bedtime, however your child may wish to have a snack such as cereal before bedtime
  3. Is not thirsty – ensure your child drinks plenty throughout the day. A warm milky drink prior to bedtime may help your child feel sleepy

Your child’s bedroom should be cool, quiet, and comfortable. Ensure the bedroom is dark enough, especially in the summer months. The hours of darkness help us to produce a natural hormone called melatonin which causes us to feel sleepy.

Bedtime should follow a predictable sequence of events for example:

  1. Thirty minutes to an hour before bedtime, commence a sleep calming activity such as reading, playing a board game, conversations about the day
  2. Warm drink
  3. Snack
  4. Warm bath or shower
  5. Toilet
  6. Brush teeth
  7. Read a story

Children should be put to bed drowsy, but still awake. Do not let them fall asleep in other places as this forms habits that are hard to break.

Have a short story/reading time in bed or “talk time” to ensure your child has time to tell you any worries or things on their minds before they go to sleep. It may be useful to use a worry doll that anxieties can be ‘passed on’ to. Relaxation techniques, such as imagining positive scenes and introducing the use of white noise, such as a desk fan can be useful.

Tell them when it is time to go to sleep, say goodnight and tell them how to go to sleep. For example, lie down, pull the covers up, close your eyes and stay still.

Security objects, such as a favourite teddy or blanket, at bedtime often help children feel safe when their parent is not present.

When checking on your child at night, checks should be brief, and you should not stimulate your child to engage in conversation. The purpose is to reassure your child and reinforce that it is time to sleep.

It may be helpful to keep a sleep diary to track your child’s sleep schedule and activities to be able to target potential problem areas when things are not working.

Tips for dealing with sleeplessness

If your child is awake in bed tossing and turning, it is better for them to get out of bed to do a low stimulation activity for example reading and then return them to bed later. This prevents the bed from becoming associated with sleeplessness. If they are still awake after twenty to thirty minutes, spend another twenty minutes out of bed before returning them to bed again.

If your child is never drowsy at the planned bedtime, you can try a temporary delay of bedtime by using thirty minute increments until your child appears sleepy. This is so that they experience falling asleep more quickly once they get into bed. The bedtime should then be gradually advanced earlier until the desired bedtime is reached.

Points to remember:

  1. Drinks containing caffeine (cola, chocolate, tea, coffee and energy drinks) in the afternoons/evenings can lead to restlessness, shallow sleep and overnight awakenings
  2. Avoid stimulating activities and screen time (TV, game consoles, phones, and computers) one hour before bedtime as these will interfere with the natural production of the sleep hormone melatonin
  3. Avoid spending lots of non-sleep time in bed, for example watching TV, and encourage your child to use the bedroom as a place for relaxation and calmness
  4. Encourage physical exercise and a suitable diet to help improve sleep habits
  5. White noise, such as a desk fan, can help to aid the onset of sleep

For more information, please contact your school nursing team or visit:

The sleep charity

This website provides access to high quality information and advice to deal with most sleep issues. Website: www.thesleepcharity.org.uk

Eric - The Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity

https://eric.org.uk/childrens-bladders/bedwetting/

References:

  1. A clinical guide to Paediatric sleep” by Jodi Mindell and Judith Owens
  2. Sleep Hygiene leaflet for parents by School Nursing Service, East Cheshire NHS Trust

  • Child Exploitation and Online Protection for advice and support on Child Secual Exploitation (CSE) Website: www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ 
  • Know and see the signs advice and support in regards to CSE Website: www.knowandsee.co.uk