For young parents

Help with emotional challenges and getting the right support as a young parent.

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Being a young parent

Being a young parent is life-changing and comes with different emotional challenges. But with the right help and support you and your baby can have the best possible start.

Some things that might worry you include:

  • being the kind of parent you want to be
  • finishing or continuing your education
  • having enough money
  • having safe and stable housing
  • parenting with a partner or co-parent
  • your relationships changing
  • missing out on things you'd like to do, like going out with friends (FOMO)
  • feeling judged by others.

Your support options

Talking to someone about what help you need and how to get support can be a good first step. That might be your family, friends, an Elder or someone else in your community.

Support for young parents can include things like:

  • pregnancy and birthing care that meets your needs as a young parent
  • information on what financial help you can get, like government payments
  • flexible schooling and education options so you can keep studying
  • supported accommodation
  • support for your mental health or other issues
  • parenting support services.

You can get support from people who understand what it's like to be a young parent.

'I honestly can’t speak highly enough of the young parents group. This program helped shape my journey into motherhood, and I would recommend it to absolutely anyone — whether you're doing it on your own or with a partner, whether the pregnancy was planned or not. Young parents group gave me strength, connection, and confidence, and I’m truly grateful for everything it gave me.'
Eliza - Young parent

You can also talk to your GP, nurse, midwife, youth worker, social worker or guidance counsellor. Sometimes bringing a trusted support person with you to pregnancy and child health appointments can be helpful.

You can call the Kids Helpline for a free and confidential chat. They give counselling support to young people up to 25 years old.

In a crisis or emergency

If you're having thoughts about harming yourself or your child, or you feel unable to cope, call:

For help with domestic, family and sexual violence call 1800 737 732. You can also talk to someone online, by text message or video call on the 1800RESPECT website.

Services that can support you

Search our directory to connect with perinatal mental health supports and services.

You can also find specific help for young people on the Dear Mind website.

Last updated:
15 September 2026