Parenting Resources.
Share this page with your networks and download relevant resources to share with those in need.
On this page you’ll find a collection of free resources, which we hope will be useful to anyone caring for young children aged 0 to 6 during this particularly challenging moment in time.
Browse the full collection or use the filter function below to search within a particular category or language. We’ve also created links to PDF docs for each category, should you wish to download and share.
At the bottom of the page you’ll find key emergency contacts as well as a link to a Google Form, where we encourage you to share any free resources you would like to add to this collection.
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Key contacts for legal advice and support during the Covid-19 crisis.Access to Justice during Covid-19
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"Active [email protected] is a short series of activities through which we partner with parents and caregivers to support children in Grade R."Active Learning @Home
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Open access to picture storybooks in the languages of Africa. For children’s literacy, enjoyment and imagination.African Storybook
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Resources to help you deal with anxiety and improve your mental health in a global climate of uncertainty.Anxiety Resources
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Beautifully illustrated and engaging downloadable ebooks for all children in multiple languages. Available as a mobile application.Book Dash (Multilingual)
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ECD Sector Responses: Document Repository sharing initiatives from the sector in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.BRIDGE
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Rapid response guidelines for protecting vulnerable members of rural communities.Bulungula Incubator
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Practical advice on preventing the spread of Covid-19 in our rural areas.Bulungula Incubator (isiXhosa)
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How to protect yourself from Covid-19 in an informal settlement.Cape Town Together (isiXhosa)
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A community based response to help educate and support each other through creating community action networks across Cape Town.Cape Town Together Facebook Group
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How to Support Children (and Yourself) During the COVID-19 OutbreakCentre on the Developing Child (Harvard University)
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The Brain Architects Podcast: COVID-19 Special Edition: Mental Health in a Locked-Down WorldCentre on the Developing Child (Harvard University)
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isiXhosa version of how to speak to your children about Covid-19.Child Mind Institute (isiXhosa)
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An engaging childrens book to help our yongest understand Covid-19.Coronavirus: a book for children
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Stay up to date with latest in childcare resources about Covid-19 and join the WhatsApp chat for further discussions and support.Covid-19 Handbook
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A series of ten little booklets (under the theme Let’s play, learn and grow together) to support parents and their young children with reading, pictures and ideas that focus on the early learning and development of young children. (English)DBE and UNICEF
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A series of ten little booklets (under the theme Let’s play, learn and grow together) to support parents and their young children with reading, pictures and ideas that focus on the early learning and development of young children. (Afrikaans)DBE and UNICEF
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A series of ten little booklets (under the theme Let’s play, learn and grow together) to support parents and their young children with reading, pictures and ideas that focus on the early learning and development of young children. (isiNdebele)DBE and UNICEF
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A series of ten little booklets (under the theme Let’s play, learn and grow together) to support parents and their young children with reading, pictures and ideas that focus on the early learning and development of young children. (isiXHOSA)DBE and UNICEF
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A series of ten little booklets (under the theme Let’s play, learn and grow together) to support parents and their young children with reading, pictures and ideas that focus on the early learning and development of young children. (isiZULU)DBE and UNICEF
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A series of ten little booklets (under the theme Let’s play, learn and grow together) to support parents and their young children with reading, pictures and ideas that focus on the early learning and development of young children. (SEPEDI)DBE and UNICEF
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A series of ten little booklets (under the theme Let’s play, learn and grow together) to support parents and their young children with reading, pictures and ideas that focus on the early learning and development of young children. (SESOTHO)DBE and UNICEF
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A series of ten little booklets (under the theme Let’s play, learn and grow together) to support parents and their young children with reading, pictures and ideas that focus on the early learning and development of young children. (SETSWANA)DBE and UNICEF
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A series of ten little booklets (under the theme Let’s play, learn and grow together) to support parents and their young children with reading, pictures and ideas that focus on the early learning and development of young children. (siSWATI)DBE and UNICEF
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A series of ten little booklets (under the theme Let’s play, learn and grow together) to support parents and their young children with reading, pictures and ideas that focus on the early learning and development of young children. (TSHIVENDA)DBE and UNICEF
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A series of ten little booklets (under the theme Let’s play, learn and grow together) to support parents and their young children with reading, pictures and ideas that focus on the early learning and development of young children. (XITSONGA)DBE and UNICEF
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Frequently updated resources for parenting during the Covid-19 crisis.Early Childhood Development Action Network
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Learning and development guides for children between the ages of 0 to 6.Earlybird Educare
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Join this Facebook group for ideas to keep children active at home.ECD: More Precious than Diamonds
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A guide for caregivers which provides up-to-date information on Covid-19, offers support, ideas and guidance on how to set up daily routines for helping children to learn at home while schools are closed.Guide for caregivers
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Meditation made simple. A mobile application that teaches you the life-changing skills of meditation and mindfulness in just a few minutes a day.Headspace
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Talk to a doctor on your phone for free before you go to a clinic or hospital. (isiXhosa )Hello Doctor
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Talk to a doctor on your phone for free before you go to a clinic or hospital. (English)Hello Doctor
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Talk to a doctor on your phone for free before you go to a clinic or hospital. (Sesotho)Hello Doctor
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Talk to a doctor on your phone for free before you go to a clinic or hospital. (Afrikaans)Hello Doctor
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Talk to a doctor on your phone for free before you go to a clinic or hospital. (isiZulu)Hello Doctor
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Free counselling and support: 072 076 6118/ 072 063 4407 (Both numbers are WhatsApp compatible)Ilitha Labantu
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Bite-size Maths content delivered daily to your phone. The app includes fun activities that encourage problem solving and investigation of maths concepts.MathsUp
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English and isiXhosa meditation exercise to help to relax the mind and body.Meditation Video (English/isiXhosa)
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Keeping mothers informed, connected and encouraged using digital channels like social media and WhatsApp.Messages for Mothers
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Movement Guidelines for what a healthy 24 hours looks like for each age group between 0-6.Movement Guidelines
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A book written for children around the world affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.My Hero is You Story Book
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Find a range of African stories, audio books and more in multiple languages.Nal'ibali (Multilingual)
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Parenting tips and ideas for caring for children during the Covid-19 pandemic.Parenting Tips
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If a child is poisoned: Rinse their mouth or skin with a small amount of water Do not make them vomit or force them to drink milk or water Call the poisons helpline on 0861 555 777.Poisons Helpline
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Free psychology toolkit on how to cope with worry and anxiety amidst global uncertainty.Psychology Tools
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An introductory programming language that enables young children (ages 5-7) to create their own interactive stories and games.ScratchJr
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Digital games, art and videos to to offer comfort and spark playful learning activities.Sesame Street
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Easily understood resources on how to keep your young children safe and happy.SmartStart
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A range of posters and guidance notes to support ECD programmes as they reopen after lockdown.Smartstart Reopening Support Posters
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Prevention of coronavirus infection (Covid-19) in early childhood development (ECD) programmesSouth African Paediatric Association
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Sparks school's approach to home learning. Great sample schedules, academic, Social emotional learning, creative, and physical activity ideasSparks school
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Global library of learning materials and stories in multiple languages. The readalong function is great to give parents a break.Storyweaver (Multilingual)
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Learn how to provide playful and engaging social emotional learning (SEL) support to children affected by COVID-19 disruptionThe Lego Foundation
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A beautiful story to help children process these difficult times through fun activities and storytelling.The Story of the Oyster and the Butterfly
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6 free Home Kits packed with children’s books, activities and easy step by step instructions for you, to help develop your child’s social and emotional intelligence while keeping them entertained.Think Equal
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Contact numbers for care centre's across South Africa. Open 24/7.Thuthuzela Care Centre's
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Explore a range of fun and engaging early learning material on topics such as pre-literacy, math, social-emotional learning and much more.Ubongo (Kiswahili & English)
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Health and hygiene learning materials from films and songs to engaging ebooks.Ubongo (Kiswahili & English)
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COVID-19 explained to parents of young children” in South African Sign LanguageUNICEF (Sign language)
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Fun and easy to use brain building activities for children between ages 0-5.UNICEF- Little Hands Matter
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School closure pack for children of all ages. Including TV and radio programmes.Western Cape School Pack
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Engaging educational app with helpful information, tips and activities for children from birth to 5 years.Wordworks (isiXhosa, isiZulu &English)
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Lockdown literacy lessons for Grade R and Grade 1 children for parents to do at home with their childrenWordworks (Literacy Lessons)
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Data Free Website sharing early literacy programmes, daily tips and activities (English)Wordworks Data Free (English)
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Data Free Website sharing early literacy programmes, daily tips and activities (isiZulu)Wordworks Data Free (isiZulu)
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Easy to use tips and information for parenting during Covid-19.World Health Organisation (English)
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Easy to use tips and information for parenting during Covid-19.World Health Organisation (isiXhosa)
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Tips for families including age-appropriate responses to common questions, a guide to self-care, and activities for young children experiencing social distancing.Zero to Three
| Emergency Contacts | |
| Childline | 0800 055 555 |
| Coronavirus Hotline | 0800 029 999 /WhatsApp: 060 012 3456 |
| SAPS Crime Stop | 0860 10111 / SMS Crime Line: 32211 |
| Suicide Helpline | 0800 567 567 |
| Gender Based Violence Command Centre |
0800 428 428 |
| Rape Crisis Helpline | 021 447 9762 |
| Poisons Information Helpline | 0861 555 777 |
Quick Access to Parenting Resources.
| Resource Areas | |
| Communicating COVID-19 | Link to PDF Resources |
| Early Learning Activities | Link to PDF Resources |
| Parents Wellbeing | Link to PDF Resources |
| Health | Link to PDF Resources |
| Safety and Protection | Link to PDF Resources |