Dementia in my family

What can help?

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, click here.

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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…

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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?

Walk a dog, Stroke soft fur, Listen to birds sing, Watch colourful fish, Visit the zoo…


Make music, Bang some drums, Turn your music up loud, Sing, Dance, Write a song…


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


Be active, Run, Jump, Swing, Spin, Slide, Swim, Laugh…


Read, Escape in a story, Watch a movie, Lie in the sun, Daydream…


Share a story, Have family time, Learn new things, Enjoy a cuddle, Ask questions…


Join a team, Join a club, Do sport, dance, gym, yoga…


Spend time on your own, Think, Play, Build, Create...


Draw, Paint, Get messy, Use colour, Create, Write a note...

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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.

Read about some of them here.


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?


  • 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 – 1800 100 500
  • Kids Helpline – online at www.kidshelp.com.au or by phone 1800 55 1800 (free call). Kids can call Kids Helpline at any time of the day and night.
  • Young Carers Network https://youngcarersnetwork.com.au/

To start the quiz simply click on the "Go" button below.

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