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Dementia Australia

What can help for age 5 to 8

Illustration showing a happy face and a sad face

When someone has dementia, it’s much easier for everyone if the family can work together and help each other out. Sometimes kids might need to get help from outside the family too. If you think you need some extra help view the extra help section below. 

And what about you?

Sometimes, when things are tough, it can feel like no one else understands us. So what is it like for you?

There are lots of different ways kids can feel about things at different times.

What sorts of feelings do you have sometimes? Go ahead, click and see what happens…

  • Illustration of a neuron with the emotion of happyHappy
    Happy

    It’s great when I feel happy! It’s important to have fun!

  • Illustration of a neuron with the emotion of angryAngry
    Angry

    I get mad when things are not fair! Sometimes I shout. Sometimes I storm out. Sometimes I cry.

  • Illustration of a neuron with the emotion of lonelyLonely
    Lonely

    I feel all alone when nobody understands me. Sometimes I feel left out.

  • Illustration of a neuron with the emotion of sadSad
    Sad

    Sometimes I feel so sad that I cry. Or I might just sit quietly. When other people are sad, it makes me sad too.

  • Illustration of a neuron with the emotion of helpfulHelpful
    Helpful

    I can do it! I like to help out. It makes me feel good. I want to give it a try.

  • Illustration of a neuron with the emotion of proudProud
    Proud

    I feel proud of myself! It’s nice to be noticed when I’ve done a good job.

  • Illustration of a neuron with the emotion of worriedWorried
    Worried

    I worry about things sometimes. I get scared that bad things will happen.

  • Illustration of a neuron with the emotion of jealousJealous
    Jealous

    I don’t like to miss out. I can get jealous of what others have and I don’t have.

  • Illustration of a neuron with the emotion of guiltyGuilty
    Guilty

    Uh-oh! I feel like it’s all my fault! Did I do the wrong thing?

  • Illustration of a neuron with the emotion of hopefulHopeful
    Hopeful

    I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I hope things will get better.

  • Illustration of a neuron with the emotion of embarrassedEmbarrassed
    Embarrassed

    It’s embarrassing! I wish that hadn’t happened! I wish I was invisible!

  • Illustration of a neuron with the emotion of burdenedBurdened
    Burdened

    Sometimes, life is really tough. I’m doing my best but it feels like I should do more!

Remember, there is no such thing as right and wrong feelings. All feelings are important. They help us keep track of how we are going, just like a thermometer keeps track of our body temperature and tells us if we have a fever.

If we are having lots of strong feelings about something, it might be a sign that we could do with some help.

Have you noticed other people feeling in your family sad or more tired or worried than usual? If you have, it might make you feel sad or worried, too.

Sometimes, feelings like these might show in ways we don’t expect. For example, you might:

  • find it hard to pay attention at school
  • feel tired more often
  • be getting into arguments with people
  • have trouble going to sleep at night
  • not have fun doing things you used to enjoy.

So what can you do to feel better?

Different things might help at different times. I bet you can already think of things you do when you want to feel better. What are they?

  • A photo taken from behind showing a boy sitting down with his arm around a dog
    Animals

    Walk a dog, stroke soft fur, listen to birds sing, watch colourful fish, visit the zoo.

  • A close up photo of someone strumming and acoustic guitar
    Music

    Make music, bang some drums, turn your music up loud, sing, dance, write a song.

  • A yong girl and young boy smiling at the camera from behind a park bench
    Playing and having fun

    Play hide and seek, Visit a friend, Run in the sun, Make someone laugh, Roll in the grass.

  • Kids playing a platground
    Exercise

    Be active, run, jump, swing, spin, slide, swim, laugh.

  • A child laying on a picnic blanket in a park with their legs crossed
    Imagination and storytelling

    Read, escape in a story, watch a movie, lie in the sun, daydream.

  • A mother reading a book to two children
    Family

    Share a story, have family time, learn new things, enjoy a cuddle, ask questions.

  • A group of boys huddled during a sporting match, wearing red and yellow striped gurnseys
    Sport and other activities

    Join a team, join a club, do sport, dance, gym, yoga.

  • A small pile of different coloured lego blocks
    Fun things on your own

    Spend time on your own, think, play, build, create.

  • A close up photo of someone drawing with a black crayon
    Art

    Draw, paint, get messy, use colour, create, write a note.

Speech bubbles with the text "It's hard when I don't understand what Nonna is saying. I have to ask for help." By Ella, aged 7. "I feel better when I'm playing footy." By Sam, aged 8. "I think it's good to tell someone if you're scared." By Mia, aged 7.

It might help to know that other kids are in the same boat as you. That is to say, there are lots of other kids who know someone with dementia and know what it can be like.

What are your strengths?

When we want to feel better, it can help to remember what we are good at. What are you good at? What are your strengths?

"I try new things" 

"I’m full of energy" 

"I’m good at making things" 

"I’m curious I’m interesting" 

"I can do things by myself" 

"I’m honest I’m a good friend" 

"I’ve got courage" 

"I’m reliable" 

"I’m loving" 

"I care about others" 

"I work hard" 

"I’m helpful" 

"I’m good fun" 

"I try hard I don’t give up" 

"I think a lot"

Can you think of some other strengths that you have?

Where can you go for extra help if you need it?

  • Someone you feel close to in your family
  • A grown up friend you can trust
  • A teacher or school counsellor
  • Call us at Dementia Australia to speak with one of our staff who work with kids – 1300 526 576
  • Kids Helpline – online or by phone 1800 55 1800 (free call). Kids can call Kids Helpline at any time of the day and night.
  • Young Carers Network
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Last updated
1 February 2024