There is some new help available for parents who may be concerned about just how their children are handling the stresses that all of us are facing amid the coronavirus pandemic. It’s difficult enough for adults, but children have their own unique set of mental health issues when dealing with something as overwhelming at this current health crisis.

Recognizing the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on children’s mental health, the Office of the Child Advocate has joined forces with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Department of Mental Health to launch HandholdMA.org, a new family-friendly website for parents and guardians of school-aged children who are concerned about their child’s mental health.

HandholdMA.org provides families with tips, tools, and resources designed to help them navigate their child’s mental health journey with confidence. The content, which is targeted to families with kids age 6-12 years, was developed by a team of mental health and child development experts as well as family and community partners. A creative team from IDEO Cambridge designed the user experience and branding.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that there has been an impact on the emotional well-being of many residents across the Commonwealth, including our youngest residents… As families continue to navigate these unprecedented times, tapping into expertise through HandholdMA.org can help them better understand their child’s mental health and find available resources. ~ Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders

(The information in this article was provided the Berkshire News Network via a press release from the Massachusetts Office of Health and Human Services)

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