The Child360 App

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with the amount of well-intended information out there to support you in assisting your child’s emotional and social wellbeing? There are a lot of good, accessible resources which we can use, but we only have so much time to read, consolidate and apply it in our parental roles.

The Child360 App is a new app available through Google Play and the Apple store for all smart devices. It is designed for caregivers to assist in focusing and tracking their understanding of their child’s social and emotional wellbeing. The app has been created by infant and child mental health professionals in collaboration with parents, researchers and app designers.

I found the app to be user friendly and easy to navigate. It covers the important areas for parents to consider when looking at their child’s emotional and social wellbeing by starting a profile (no, not like social media platforms), that will summarise the areas requiring particular attention once you have completed an assessment to create the child’s profile. The areas are segmented into Communication, Support Networks, Parent-Child Relationships, Routines and Emotions and Behaviours. Fortunately, because parents have helped to create it, it is efficient and works like a check system so once you have read the areas that require your focus, it will tick that segment off. However, there is the option to tag favourite information that you have found to be useful and take notes so you can refer to it easily.

The information available through the app is linked to good evidence-based resources created by the Raising Children Network, Kids Helpline and government websites. These provide information as well as suggestions on how to implement the information provided or seek help to do so. The varied resources are in written word, video, and there are also podcasts which is helpful for those parents who find it easier to absorb information visually or audibly.

A wonderful aspect of this app is that the information is relative to the age of the child on the profile, no need to navigate through to find the age appropriate information. Another component of this app, which I feel is very important, is that it will open with a disclosure, prompting the caregiver to consider their own wellbeing. It also offers phone numbers and website links for professional counselling and support services such as Relationships Australia, Beyond Blue and Parentline SA. I believe this is unique. as being a parent myself and considering the many conversations I have with the caregiver’s I work alongside with, we can’t expect ourselves to provide for our children when we have nothing left in our cup; ‘we can’t fill another’s cup when our own is empty’ as the analogy goes.

Another stand out aspect of this app which I like, particularly from an Occupational Therapy perspective, is the ‘why this matters’ button on each topic. Clicking on this provides solid reasoning as to why it is important to address this area with our child. This translates similarly to me as to how we as Occupational Therapists work by considering the ‘so what?’ question. We can see that this area is a challenge but why is it important to address? For example, it is important to build routine and structure in our children’s lives, ‘So what? Why is it important? - because it provides a sense of security for the child, by having routine the child is better able to cope with stressful events by knowing their foundational needs are met.

I would not write this review if this was not the case. The app is applicable to all caregivers whether your child requires additional support from health professionals or not. It provides a sound foundation to assist you in understanding your child’s social and emotional needs and strategies to consider and use. You know your child best, but it is very helpful to have an accessible pocket guide written by professionals catered to your child’s social and emotional needs. Additionally, it provides a letter template which can be used to take to your GP, filling in the areas you feel your child may requires additional support.

In conclusion, I recommend the Child360 App to all caregivers who would like access to sound information on helping their child build their social and emotional wellbeing. I would almost go as far as saying it is that mystical handbook you wish you were given when you first met your child and needed affirmation that you were doing the very best you could.
Disclaimer: If you feel that you are under overwhelming stress whilst caring for your child it is important to seek support from a health professional. You can do this by contacting:

Emerging Minds Australia 2019, Child360 App, accessed 30/9/2019 <https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/child360-app/>.

Kids Helpline 2019, How Parent line can help you?, accessed 30/09/2019 <https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you>.

Beyond Blue Ltd 2019, Types of Depression, accessed 30/09/2019 <https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression/types-of-depression?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrMHsBRCIARIsAFgSeI2Ar84SVY09NN8I80B9bksGHNGgh7o0EXYARCUFaOsDrKUL-uWjUugaAkPTEALw_wcB>.

Relationships Australia Incorporated 2019, Welcome to Relationships Australia, accessed 30/09/2019 <https://www.relationships.org.au/>.