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The KOP/KOV information booklets help explain a parent’s problems in a way that is understandable for the child, and give parents and children tips on how to cope well with the situation. KOPP/KOV children often have questions such as: ‘Why is my home situation different?’ ‘What happens if other people find out that my parents have these problems?’ ‘Is it my fault?’ ‘Will I develop it later too?’.

Talking about it, understanding the parent’s problems, knowing how to cope with them and how to ask others for support are very important for these children. This helps children grow into resilient adults and prevents them from developing problems themselves. It is also important for parents to receive support with the additional challenges involved in raising their children.

Up-to-date information, personal stories and expressive illustrations

The Trimbos Institute developed the KOPP/KOV information booklets on behalf of the Kinderpostzegels Nederland Foundation. As a starting point, we used the old Kipizivero information booklets, which—with a circulation of 20,000 per year—were widely used by professionals who encounter children of parents with mental health or addiction problems in their work. Together with parents, children and professionals, the information was reviewed and adapted to meet current information needs. Personal stories and expressive illustrations have been added. The booklets are more interactive and pay greater attention to the role of support workers. A new read-aloud book has also been written for children aged 5–8: ‘My Parent’s Weather Report’. The new information cards provide an explanation of one specific mental health disorder or addiction, supported by a personal story. The booklets and cards provide a starting point for a conversation at home, at the GP’s office, at school or with a psychologist.

New KOPP/KOV information booklets

There are 6 booklets:

  • Sammie and Noah – Read-aloud book for children aged 2 to 4
  • My Parents’ Weather Report – Read-aloud book for children aged 5 to 8
  • At Our House – Booklet for children aged 9 to 12
  • When the Wind Blows at Home – Booklet for young people aged 13 and over
  • A Wink and a Cuddle – Booklet for parents with mental health and/or addiction problems
  • Mentally Ready for Your Baby – Booklet for expectant and new mothers (or other caregivers) with mental health and/or addiction problems and the people around them

Information cards

There are also 11 information cards for parents and children of different ages. The various information cards provide children between the ages of 8 and 14 with an explanation of their parent’s specific mental health disorder or addiction. To show the child that they are not the only one with such a parent, each card contains a story about a child in the same situation. The cards can be given separately or together with one of the six KOPP/KOV information booklets to a child or parent.

There is an information card for each of the following mental health disorders and addictions:

  • Depression
  • Schizophrenia
  • Manic depression or bipolar disorder
  • Eating disorder
  • Anxiety disorder or phobia
  • Borderline personality disorder
  • Psychosis
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Alcohol addiction
  • Drug addiction
  • Mental health problems in general: this sheet was specifically created to provide an explanation in situations where no clear diagnosis can (yet) be made for the parent

All materials are available to download free of charge. The booklets will also be available to order soon (at cost price).