Health and Wellness for Kids and Parents/Guardians

Life as we know it has changed, and it's taking time for everyone to adapt. These changes can be even more difficult to navigate for kids, who may not fully understand the reasons and importance behind these new ways of life.

Our Children's Services team is thinking of you (and missing you and your little ones!) as we all adapt to this current and evolving situation.

We've pulled together some mental health and health resources for kids from sources that we trust and respect, along with activities you can do together at home. 

We hope you enjoy exploring these Health and Wellness tools, and let us know if you have any favourites of your own!


Library Online for Kids

We’re always updating our Library Online content for kids,, opens a new window which includes videos, crafts, contests, at-home activities like our I Spy guide, and storytimes from our staff and special guests.

Please know that you can also connect with members of the Library team at our Ask the Library phone line. Find hours and details here., opens a new window


TumbleBooks

For action-packed songs and stories, check out TumbleBooks, opens a new window, which is available free to you through our E-Library collection. Learn how to use TumbleBooks with our quick video tutorial, opens a new window.

Once you land on this page, scroll down to:

TumbleTunes
Discover songs such as “Wheels on the Bus,” “If You’re Happy and You Know it,” and “The Ants go Marching.”

Sports
This section leads you to books such as “Wiggle” and “Stretch” by Doreen Cronin.

Kings and Queens of Self Esteem
Here, you’ll find books that encourage acceptance.

Health, Hygiene, and Everything in Between
This section includes a special song, “Til the Virus Ends,” which embraces healthy hygiene practices kids can use during the COVID-19 outbreak.


Support from trusted sources

Latest news

As of June 17, 2022, Canada’s COVID-19 alert app has been shut down.

Media intake

Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media, opens a new window rates movies, TV shows, books, and more so parents can feel good about the entertainment choices they make for their kids.

Mental health

Anxiety Canada
Talking to Kids About COVID-19, opens a new window

Canadian Paediatric Society
How Can We Talk to Kids About COVID-19? Be “Realistically Reassuring.”, opens a new window

HeadSpace App
Download the app from the Apple App Store, opens a new window or Google Play Store, opens a new window, and search for “Kids." A number of guided meditation options are available for kids.

Kids Help Phone
Mental Health/Crisis Live Chat for Kids, opens a new window (link) or call 1-800-668-6868.

Nova Scotia Health Authority
MindWellU, opens a new window
  

World Health Organization
Infographic - Helping Children Cope with Stress During the COVID-19 Outbreak  , opens a new window

Nutrition

Kid Food Nation (YTV)
Explore new recipes and all things food., opens a new window

Physical activity and health

Action for Healthy Kids
A full activity library for you to browse., opens a new window

Caring for Kids
Offers information for parents, from Canadian paediatricians, opens a new window, on physical activity and healthy development for kids, with a specific focus on information for parents of kids with health challenges.

Go Noodle
Offers free active games on their website, opens a new window (or download the app).

Government of Nova Scotia
These physical activity suggestions and mental wellness ideas, opens a new window have been created by the Government of Nova Scotia.

Outdoor Play Canada
Answers the question: “Should I go outside in the COVID-19 era?”

Questions and answers

The Government of Nova Scotia has created a playlist of videos for kids, opens a new window, answering common COVID-19 questions.


Movement videos on YouTube

Dance, jump, and wiggle to some excellent movement songs available on YouTube.

Podcasts for kids

Visit the websites below, or search and listen on the device you usually use for listening to podcasts.

Brains On! Science Podcast for Kids, opens a new window
Various episodes include “Understanding Coronavirus and How Germs Spread,” “Staying Home: How Social Distancing Helps Fight Coronavirus,” and “Nervous: All About Feelings.”

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids, opens a new window
We recommend the episode “Coronavirus for Kids, and the Science of Soap.”

The New York Time’s “The Daily” Podcast
Episode “A Kids’ Guide to Coronavirus”, opens a new window

TumbleScience Podcast, opens a new window
We recommend the episodes “Where do Viruses Come From” and “Answering Kids’ Coronavirus Questions.”