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
Fizzy’s Lunch Lab (PBS kids)
Shares tons of kid-friendly recipes and food-based games, opens a new window.
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.
- I Wake Up My Hands (Rainbow Music), opens a new window
- Hands Together, Hands Apart (Rainbow Music), opens a new window
- Silly Dance Contest (Jim Gill), opens a new window
- Run Baby Run (Caspar Babypants), opens a new window
- Shake My Sillies Out (Raffi) , opens a new window
- Wheels on the Bus (Raffi), opens a new window
- We Are the Dinosaurs (Laurie Berkner), opens a new window
- I Know a Chicken (Laurie Berkner), opens a new window
- Fishin’ for Pickles (Jamie Junger), opens a new window
- Sleeping Bunnies (Kathy Reid-Naiman)
- Grand Old Duke of York (Kathy Reid-Naiman), opens a new window
- Cosmic Kids Yoga Channel, opens a new window
- Debbie Doo Kids' TV Channel, opens a new window
- Little Sports Daily Physical Activity, opens a new window
-
Patty Shukla, opens a new window
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.”
Add a comment to: Health and Wellness for Kids and Parents/Guardians