This book is ONLY for children whose parents have given their health.
You can scroll down to download the book and accompanying educational resources. Some of these resources can be found below. To access all of these resources, please visit the Children’s Resource Modules.
About the book
In an Australian first, children’s picture books have been created using research for free online programs to assist parents in better supporting young children whose parents give their mental health in service to their country.
This story looks at the changes that occur in Nathan’s family when his mother returns home with PTS (also called PTSD). This book is not for other families.
The story uses animal characters to explain the changes that happen when a parent returns home with mental health problems or develops them at a later stage.
It explores those who are trying to be helpful and those who are able to explain what is happening.
The book examines stigma and the challenges of how to explain the health condition to others.
Nathan learns about the condition and the team effort that is required to support her mother at this challenging time for the family.
Nathan learns about what will stay the same and what will be different and what he can do to adapt to the changes. It’s a bumpy ride!
Thanks to the Foundation of Graduates of Early Childhood Studies, we have been able to create an interactive version of the book. To create interactive activity concepts, Marg Rogers formed a working group with Jo Bird (an early childhood technology expert), Tegan Kanard who is a Legacy 4G Family Support Team Leader, Emily Small (early childhood consultant and inclusion support specialist), knowledgeable Legacy Family Workers from various states, and amazing veteran parents and partners.
Our digital builders at ‘Abstractal’ have brought these ideas to life.
The interactive version of the book supports children’s:
- emotional recognition
- understanding of challenging family situations
- understanding of difficult concepts and terminology.
Free, research-based, downloadable resources:
(This book is ONLY suitable for children whose parents have given their health in service). Please read the book before sharing it with children.
- Storybook: Oh, by the way, my Mum has PTS: Nathan’s Story
- Accompanying Educational Activities (puppets, puzzles, matching games, sight words, card games, board games, sequencing and storytelling games)
- audio read-along with page turns
- Commercially printed book All eBooks, interactive eBooks, downloadable (printable) versions of the book and teaching materials are free due to our wonderful funders. You can also order (and pay for) commercial, professionally printed books (details to come).
- Interactive app: (requires constant internet) for children to get the most out of the interactive app, they need to be very familiar with the story. After that, they can engage with just a few pages of the app at a time.
Desperately seeking feedback
Thanks for test-driving our Early Childhood Defence Program project resources.
We desperately need feedback so that we can:
- improve our resources,
- let our funders know if the resources are effective, or need improving, and
- apply for further funding to produce more resources to support children and families.
This survey should only take about 5 minutes, and we really appreciate your time.
Other similar books
Here is another page showing a similar book called ‘In sickness and in health’ with an interactive version. Here is another book about service-related physical injuries.
How to access these free books
Where and when can I get access to these books? Please have a look at our timeline to see when we finish evaluations and release them to the public for free. If you want early access, please register to test-drive our resources here.
Other similar books
Here is another page showing a similar book called ‘In sickness and in health: Sam’s story’ with an interactive version. Here is another book about service-related physical injuries.
How to access other free research-based resources?
We have a range of learning modules to assist parents, carers, family workers and social workers to assist children whose parents have given their health. Please have a look at our timeline to see when we finish evaluations and release them to the public for free. If you want early access, please register to test-drive our resources here.
Explore other resources:
- educator’s and family worker resources
- parent’s resources
- Auslan Keyword Signing resources (for those with disability or language delays, or those wanting to learn Auslan Keyword Signing)
- planned educator and parent program module topics
- academic and policymaker resources
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