Being a parent is never smooth sailing, especially in 2021. Let’s face it, with more and more influences and pressures than ever before, being a parent sometimes feels two parts frustrating and one part rewarding. Very few of us have degrees in parenting, let alone previous experience of bringing up children in a rapidly changing global society. So where do we go for help? Google? YouTube? Our own parents? (they were probably less than perfect, raising us in simpler times!). Should we be brave enough to admit we are not sure what we are doing and ask our friends for advice?
In a vast landscape of misinformation, I’m a believer in seeking out quality knowledge and thinking critically if this information is credible and appropriate for my needs.
Here are three excellent Australian websites that I find myself going back to over and over. Click and explore for yourself:
Raising Children Network The Raising Children Network site offers up-to-date, research-based information on hundreds of topics, such as child development, behaviour, health, nutrition and fitness, play and learning, connecting and communicating, school and education, entertainment and technology, sleep and safety.
ABC Everyday The Family section of ABC Everyday is an amazing collection of advice about a wide range of topics, including, development, behaviour, parenting, health and nutrition, and appropriate media and games. In addition, it connects you to relevant stories, podcasts, video, activities and highlights of TV and radio programs from the ABC.
Generation Next Generation Next provides education and information about the prevention and management of mental illness in young people. This site has fantastic blog articles and podcasts about how to guide young people through the challenges of modern life.
Anglicare run parenting programs to support families in our local area. There are several programs about to start.
Tuning in to Teens is a free, online 8-week parenting programme that shows you how to: better understand and communicate with your teenager; help them develop emotional intelligence; manage their emotions; resolve conflict, and prevent behavioural problems. Tuning in to Teens runs from Thursday, 29 April - Thursday, 17 June 2021 from 10:30am - 12:00pm.
Dads Building Solutions is a free, online, 6-week parenting program for fathers to discuss topics including: communication; discipline; resilience; dealing with feelings; as well as creating solutions for common parenting concerns. Dads Building Solutions runs from Thursday, 20 May - Thursday, 24 June 2021 from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
Bookings for both these programs are essential. To book a place, or inquiries contact: Anglicare ParentZone on 03 8641 8900 or 0458 550 071 or email [email protected]