About Birdie's Tree

Narrator: This is Birdie. Birdie lives in a cosy nest, in a tall tree. She likes to talk with her friend, Mr. Frog.

Dr. Andrea Baldwin: As adults, sometimes we don't realise how much stressful events affect babies and young children. That's why the Queensland Centre for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health created Birdie's Tree. A suite of resources to help babies and young children, and the adults who care for them cope with natural disasters and disruptive events.

Mum: The firefighters shouted in loud voices to each other. They use their big hoses to spray the fire with the water.

Dr. Andrea Baldwin: Internationally and here in Australia, 2011 was the worst year on record for natural disasters. Infant mental health clinicians noticed a sharp increase in babies and young children aged zero to four, showing emotional and behavioural disturbances linked to their experiences of storms and floods. Since then, we've seen similar responses among children affected by cyclones, bushfires, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Neil Alcorn: Some babies and young children become unsettled and harder to sooth, their sleep or appetite may be disrupted and they may regress or go backwards in skills they've already learned, like language or toileting.

Some babies and young children become anxious and afraid to be away from their parents. Others may become quiet, withdrawn, or sad. We also see children who are more irritable and have more tantrums, and of course, parents and carers also react emotionally to what's happened.

Dr. Andrea Baldwin: The Queensland Centre for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health supports the mental health and social emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents, babies, and young children age zero to four. The centre has developed Birdie's Tree. The suite is based around a set of storybooks and includes games and activities, videos and information for adults.

Mum: Come on, birdie. We have to go. There is a fire coming. She said to her friends, call her friends. What are they doing? Running. They're running away from the fire.

Neil Alcorn: Most babies and young children come through these events just fine with support from parents, educators, and other caring adults. Some might need a bit more reassurance than others.

Dr. Andrea Baldwin: For example, the children of frontline responders may need a little extra support to feel comfortable about what their mums and dads are doing while they're apart.

Mum: Who's this coming in this picture? Fireman. The fireman are coming in. The fire woman. They're coming to push out all the fire.

Neil Alcorn: And some families benefit from professional support to help parents and children process their stressful experiences and move on with their lives.

Naomi: Shall we have a look at this one? Can you tell me who this is?

Dr. Andrea Baldwin: So far there are 11 books in the series. Birdie and Mr. Frog cope with flood, fire, cyclone, earthquake, drought, heatwave, community illness, pandemic, a storm and severe cold weather. There's also a book to help little people understand about going to an emergency shelter.

Relaxing with Birdie is a mindfulness and movement routine to help babies and young children calm down, relax, rest, and sleep. Even in stressful times.

Fun with Birdie is a special activity book for babies and young children whose living situation has been disrupted by a stressful event. All the books can be read for free on the Birdie's Tree website, some in multiple languages.

There are also online games for children to play ,information sheets and booklets for parents and educators, and links to other helpful resources.

Neil Alcorn: Birdie's Tree isn't just helpful when there's been a natural disaster. The resources help babies and young children learn to recognise and express their feelings.

This is a really useful life skill in good times and bad.

Dr. Andrea Baldwin: To learn more, check out the Birdie's Tree website. Thanks guys.