Helpful Books for Young Carers
Almost half of young carers deal with mental health issues, and finding the time or resources to get help isn’t easy when you’re caring for someone.
This week is both National Storytelling Week and Children’s Mental Health Week, so we thought we’d share some of our favourite books about and for young carers. Whether your child is a young carer, struggling with anxiety or stress, or just would like to know more about what young carers go through, these books are a good way to start a conversation about how to cope with difficulties in life.
When My Worries Get Too Big: A Relaxation Book for Children who Live with Anxiety
We know that anxiety can be a serious issue for young carers, who have to deal with worrying situations every day. The story follows main character Nicholas as he reacts to situations and overcomes challenges in his life. When My Worries Get Too Big provides advice and coping techniques that will help children to combat anxiety and stress. (Age 6-12)
Can I Tell You About Being a Young Carer?
This book explores Carly’s worries as she cares for her mother who lives with depression and Multiple Sclerosis. Can I Tell You About Being a Young Carer? provides signposts to accessible support and raises awareness about the positive and negative impacts that caring has on home life, education and childhood. (Age 8-12)
When Worry Takes Hold
A must have for any child who struggles with anxiety, this book tells the story of a girl called Maya who learns to cope with feelings of worry. Helps children approach their anxieties in a mindful way and understand how they can change their thought patterns in a positive way. (Age 8-12)
Guide Book for Young Carers
Written by a former young carer, this guidebook uses first-hand experiences to offer advice and support for children facing the daily challenges of caring for a family member. The author of the Guide Book for Young Carers describes the impact that his role had on his early life and into adulthood. (Age 10+)
Jade’s Story
Jade’s Story follows a model student whose life unravels after her father suffers an emotional breakdown. Struggling to keep her education and friendships in check, the author details Jade’s experiences as she learns to navigate life’s challenges. (Age 9 -14)
Do you know of any good children's books about young carers or mental health issues? Let us know in the comments! Click here to find out about Honeypot’s SEAL breaks and other ways in which we help to look after the mental health of young carers across the UK.
Honeypot is the national charity for young carers aged five to twelve. We do not receive government funding and rely on your donations to keep running respite breaks. Please consider supporting us by making a donation, attending an event, or making us your organisation’s charity partner.