Bringing Up Children

Bringing up children can be the most rewarding thing you have ever done, but it can also be one of the hardest!  It is important to remember that you aren't on your own, and that there is help and support available. 

Parentline Plus offer a wide range of help and support, including a website with lots of information, ideas and message boards.  There is a 24 hour helpline if you need to talk to someone - ring 0808 8000 2222.

Got a teenager - offer an online support service for parents with teenagers is available at www.gotateenager.org.uk  i-parent includes videos, animated comic books and i-parent modules covering topics such as risky behaviour, setting boundaries and improving communication with your teenager. Online videos feature interviews with parenting experts as well as interviews with teenagers themselves and cover topics such as sex, coping with aggressive teenagers and under-age pregnancies. There is a 24 hour helpline if you need to talk to someone - ring 0808 8000 2222.

If you would like to get together with some other parents to share ideas and explore new ways of dealing with your children, why not try a parenting workshop or course?  They are usually informal, really supportive and fun!   For a flavour of the sort of course on offer in this area have a look at the Triple P course. Contact your local Childrens' Cente, your health visitor or GP's surgery, school or your local Extended Services Co-ordinator ESCO. 

More information about support avaliable for parents at Hantsweb including a search facility to help you find a parenting course near to you. 

Some schools have Parent Support Advisors and Home School Link workers - please look on your local area pages New Milton, Lymington and Brockenhurst , Ringwood & Fordingbridge or contact your local school to find out about what's on offer.

Relate offer help and support to anyone involved in a relationship, but have a special website for parents, with ideas and suggestions to help you get along with your child.  Click here.

ParentsCentre - helping you to help your child Covers all ages and a very wide range of topics

Have a look at Parent Know How for information to support parents from birth to teenage years.