December 14, 2022
Covid lockdown inspires children’s pukapuka
A Māori clinical psychologist hopes her new book for children will help whanau talk to their tamariki about difficult emotions like sadness and loneliness.
Lisa Cherrington of Ngapuhi and Ngati Hine wrote Awhi Warrior with educational psychologist Sarika Rona of Te Ātiawa, Taranaki, and Maniapoto.
It’s about Teina who’s feeling sad because he can’t stay with his grandmother or even give her a hug.
Ms Cherrington says it was inspired by the Covid lockdowns.
“It marks a point in time, but the concepts are still relevant today – you know when we cant be with our loved ones physically, how do we still connect and receive that nourishment from them and from our environment?”
Lisa Cherrington says the social distancing and isolation of the past few years has been a real struggle for many children and their whānau.
Awhi Warrior is published by Te Tihi o Ruahine Whānau.