Mana Ake's latest topic is 'Managing Change and Uncertainty', with recommended links to information for families/whānau.

Resources include advice on supporting children to return to school, routines that support resilience, coping with worries and anxiety about COVID-19, and information about mask-wearing during the Red traffic light setting.

As we begin the school year with the country at Red, many tamariki and whānau may be feeling uncertain about the year ahead. While strong feelings and changes in behaviour are normal when we face uncertainty, there are steps families/whānau can take to support children to manage worries about COVID-19 and returning to school.

Back to school

The start of the new school year can be exciting, but for some tamariki it comes with some anxiety too. The Parenting Place 'Back to School Survival' Guide offers practical ideas to help everyone feel confident and prepared for heading back to school.

How was school today?

Talking with your children about their day at school shows you are interested in what’s going on in their lives and that you value school and education. Some kids are full of stories, while it can be difficult to get two words out of others. Raising Children Network (Australia) offers information on why talking about school is important and advice for getting the conversation started.

Routines support resilience

Having a predictable routine can help children feel secure and confident to manage change. All Right? offers tips to get your child loving daily routines, including routine charts for kids of different ages, and advice on incentives.

Coping with worry and anxiety about COVID-19

It is perfectly normal to have anxious feelings and worries in the current COVID-19 pandemic. KidsHealth offers a number of practical steps you can take to help your children, family/whānau, and yourself cope with worry and anxiety about COVID-19.

Mask wearing at Red

To teach tamariki how to wear a face mask correctly and about the importance of masks to protect them, their friends, family/whānau, and community, share KidsHealth – COVID-19: Kids it’s Time to Mask Your Face.