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| New app teaches self-calming to kids |
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A new storytelling app – The Big Tree – has been released by the Australian Childhood Foundation to help children learn self-calming techniques while having fun and playing games.
Designed for children under eight years old, The Big Tree features the voice of Chris Hemsworth, Leonie Hemsworth (Chris's mum) and Nadine Garner.
Using narratives, games and creative activities, the app helps children learn how relationships can support them to cope with challenges, in situations that could feel overwhelming.
Australian Childhood Foundation CEO, Dr Joe Tucci said, "Research tells us that all children need a strong sense of belonging and connection with carers and family to develop important regulation as they grow up.
The Big Tree app is a beautiful and playful way for children to be part of stories that show the importance of connecting to others while solving problems that seem at first to be insurmountable."
The Big Tree has four core narratives with four characters: Morten the Monster (voice of Chris), Ellen the Caterpillar (voice of Leonie), Ollie the Monkey (voice of Chris) and Sleepy Susan the Cat (voice of Nadine).
The four characters have to overcome challenges in their life, with each one going through a story where there is a situation that might make them feel lonely or upset. They find that when they share the emotion with other characters in the Big Tree, they feel better. Each story helps children evaluate thoughts and emotions involved with facing challenges, and illustrates that seeking out people who care about you in these situations can make you feel calmer.
The underlying message is that strong, positive relationships for young children make a big difference to addressing problems and challenges in their life. It also illustrates to carers and the wider community that kids need support and relationships, and everyone has a part to play in this.
Each story also has interactive games that teach children relaxation breathing techniques to try in times of stress or anxiety, as well as activities to share with their parents.
Funded initially by the Telstra Foundation to help children who were suffering from trauma, the app was trialled in the specialist counselling services at the Australian Childhood Foundation, before becoming something available to the general public to help all children develop self-calming techniques and support them to build trusting relationships with the adults around them.
The Hemsworths have a long-standing connection to the Australian Childhood Foundation, with Craig Hemsworth (Chris's father) working in child protection 30 years ago. Chris and Leonie are both ambassadors for the charity, bringing substantial weight and focus to the incredible work the charity does.
All funds raised by the sale of the app goes towards supporting the work of Australian Childhood Foundation to support children affected by abuse or family violence.
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