Resources for parents

Raising a child is not always easy but there are resources that can help you meet some of the challenges. This page is a guide to websites, books and DVDs that may answer some of your parenting questions.

Advice on raising your child

• Tips for new parents—a good way to get started. Find out how to prepare for your baby’s arrival and look after its health and wellbeing in those early weeks.
• Raising Children Network—a comprehensive website offering resources and information on parenting for children of all ages.
• Raising Children DVD—a free DVD guide for parenting from birth to 5 years old.
• The Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)—provides parents with practical information and support to deal with and prevent common behavioural problems in children.
• The Child and Family Psychology Clinic—a specialist centre operated by the Parenting and Family Support Centre at the University of Queensland. The centre offers help for parents who have concerns about their child's behaviour or emotional adjustment.
• Parentline—provides confidential counselling for parents. Phone Parentline on 1300 301 300, from 8am-10pm, 7 days a week for the cost of a local call.
• The Young Parents Program and Young Parents Support Program—offer parenting advice and practical support for young parents.

Single parents and stepfamilies

Search the Raising Children Network for support and advice for foster carers, grandparents, same-sex parents, sole parents and step-parents.

Information for separated families is available from the Australian Government’s Department of Human Services. This includes a child’s guide to changing families.

Read more about step and extended families.

Connecting with other parents

Baby and child forums let you share advice, concerns and stories with other parents. The forums are organised according to the age of your child.

MyTime groups offer parents of children with disability the opportunity to socialise and share information with peers.

Parent to parent is a support network for parents who have a family member with disability.

Related links

• Legal advice and family relationships—advice and information on legal aspects of parenting, including adoption, foster care and the Family Court.
• Community service directory—search for a family relationship centre near you.
• Support groups—a guide to counselling and phone hotlines for parents.
• Help and counselling for new parents—advice on how to cope with the challenges of a new baby.