Di Willcox tours Great Southern towns with tips for parents and kids in fallout from the pandemic

Being a parent has carried extra challenges this year, which is one reason why parenting expert Di Wilcox is bringing a series of free events to the Great Southern.

The family educator uses her analogy of a magic coat that children put on, using their imagination to manage emotions and feel safe.

She will visit Katanning and Kojonup on October 19, Cranbrook on October 20, Albany on October 21 and Denmark on October 22 for a new event for teenage girls called Be The Girl.

She will also visit three Katanning primary schools for workshops with children.

Ms Wilcox said it was important to teach children strategies for difficult situations.

“These workshops are becoming important for a few reasons — one being that the world as we know it has significantly changed because of COVID-19, but also because children are being exposed to social media at a younger and younger age,” she said. “They are seeing more domestic violence and because adults are exposing them to adult worries that they shouldn’t be exposed to, they are experiencing more anxiety than ever before.

“The Magic Coat is used as a preventative mental health program, so that children are given strategies to recognise and manage emotions, build confidence, solve problems, manage friendships and deal with feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.”

Ms Wilcox said parents must realise they knew their child better than anyone else.

“If you notice behavioural changes in your child that you know aren’t normal or you have a sense that something isn’t quite right, it is very important to seek advice and support from professionals such as your GP or a psychologist,” she said.

To secure seats, visit trybooking.com.