FOR PARENTS

My role as a parent

Lumi Nova works best with parent/guardian support. Sit with your child as they play and attempt in game challenges and watch as they grow braver and build confidence!

Be sure to schedule a regular time in a quiet place to use Lumi Nova with your child and support them with their real life challenges.

As a parent you’ll also need to complete a short weekly survey sent to your mobile about how your child is doing.

How often should my child use Lumi Nova?

We recommend using Lumi Nova a minimum of 2-3 times per week for 15-30 minutes per session.

Make Lumi Nova a part of your child’s routine by scheduling a regular time in a quiet place to use the app with your child.

To prevent excessive screen time, each Lumi Nova session is limited. Your child can only complete one challenge per day with up to 30 minutes of reward game play for doing their challenge.

How can I support my child?

Your support is crucial in helping your child to learn to manage their fears and worries.

Stay involved and positive throughout the intervention process, and try to remember that improvement is possible.

Here are some tips to guide you as you begin to work with your child to face their worries. You’re going to help!

  • When they are feeling calm, start with open-ended questions (e.g., “How are you feeling about school?”) and encourage them to talk about their feelings.

    Listen with openness, and let them know their feelings are understandable and normal. 

  • Help your child to recognise signs of anxious feelings in themselves. Using a ‘worry thermometer’ or a diary can help them identify triggers and patterns to their feelings.

  • Instead of removing stressors, help your child learn to cope with their fears. This helps them function even when they feel anxious.

  • It may seem counterintuitive, but avoiding situations actually reinforces fears in the long term.

  • Instead of promising that their fears won’t come true, reassure them that they can handle whatever happens.

  • Praise your child for dealing with their worries and remind them that as they practise facing their fears, their worry will decrease over time.

  • Discuss their worries and help them find solutions for dealing with stressful situations.

    For instance, if they’re anxious about a sleepover, go over some “what if” scenarios and help them formulate a plan.

  • Children of all ages find routines reassuring, so try to stick to regular daily routines where possible - particularly around meals, homework, digital devices and sleep.

  • Responding with strong emotions can make your child hesitant to share their fears. Practice staying calm, even when topics are upsetting.

  • By practising self-care, you’re more likely to respond patiently and rationally to your child.

    Prioritising healthy eating, exercise, sleep, and mental health helps you support your children better.

    Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or health professionals when needed.

6 simple ways to chat with your child about their worries.

  1. Normalise worries - ‘It’s ok to worry - everyone does it!

  2. Model bravery - ‘I worry too sometimes about _____, but I’ve learned to be brave by _____.’ 

  3. Show confidence - ‘Go on, have a go! I know you can do it!’

  4. Make it fun - ‘Worries can be scary, but we’re going to have a fun adventure together!’

  5. Take a pause - ‘You seem really worried, let’s take a deep breath and then we’ll try again soon.’

  6. Track progress - ‘Think of all the challenges you’ve already completed!’