Parent Support
Being a parent can be a rewarding experience. However, you may find it a difficult role at times and need additional support, advice or assistance to help you achieve the best for your child and your family. The services and websites listed below will be able to assist:
Telephone services:
- 1800 mum2mum (phone: 1800 686 2 686) - this is the Breastfeeding Helpline
- Maternal and Child Health Line (phone 13 22 29) - qualified maternal and child health nurses provide information, support and advice to Victorian families with children from birth to school age (5 years old) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Nurse on Call (call 1300 60 60 24) - this telephone service provides immediate, expert health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Parent Line (phone 13 22 89) - this telephone counselling service is available to parents and carers of children aged from birth to 18 years throughout Victoria. They provide information and assistance on a wide range of issues, including those who are struggling with or finding the parenting role challenging. They can not, however, provide you with legal or medical information
- Victorian Poisons Information Centre – this website has advice and information on poisonings or possible poisonings. Alternatively you can contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26
Websites:
- Australian Breastfeeding Association - this large, community based self-help group is recognised as a leading authority on breast feeding
- Better Health Channel – this website contains information about different illnesses and conditions, healthy eating and health service directories
- Child Safety Commissioner – this website has resources on a range of child safety issues
- Find your local council – this website lists all local government authorities in Victoria and their contact details
- Go for your life – this website contains information about nutrition for children and active play
- Kidsafe – this website contains information, fact sheets and latest news about child safety
- Raising Children Network - this website is an invaluable resource for parents. Supported by the Australian Government, the Raising Children Network website features reliable, research based material and resources that offer practical information and suggestions, step by step guides in areas such as child development, behaviour, health, nutrition, play and learning, communication, sleep and safety
- The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne – this website contains details and fact sheets on kids health, medicines and hospital visits
- Victorian Poisons Information Centre – this website has advice and information on poisonings or possible poisonings. Alternatively you can contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26
Resources:
- Just4Mums - Just4Mums provides helpful hints to assist mums to find the information they need to enjoy the special times that motherhood brings and advice about where to go for those more challenging times
- Fathers Matter - this publication contains information specifically for fathers on the rewards and benefits of choosing to be involved in their child's learning and development
- Single mothers: a resource for parenting solo - this publication, produced by the Parenting Research Centre for our Department, aims to provide practical tips for single mothers on adjusting to change, looking after yourself, helping your children cope, and building positive family relationships
- Welcome to Early Childhood Services – this publication contains information for parents about sending their child to child care and kindergarten.