Services and support: in a nutshell

Why support is important

Parents who seek and accept support:

• are more relaxed and healthier. This means they’re better able to look after their children
• set a good example for their children. Getting support teaches children that you don’t have to do it alone. It’s OK to ask for help when you need to
• show other people that they are valued and needed. Many people actually like being asked for help – it makes them feel they’re special to you.

Giving others support is a great way of creating a support community. When you offer or ask for help, others feel that they can ask you for help in return.

Types of support

All parents need three kinds of support.

Practical support
This is help with the day-to-day realities of parenting and functioning as a family. Examples of this kind of support include money, babysitters, help in case of emergencies, assistance with transport, help with household tasks, and people to have fun with.

People who could provide this kind of support could include your extended family, friends, teachers, principals, coaches, club leaders, ministers, church elders, neighbours, youth pastors, parents of your children’s friends, and so on.

If you need to look outside your community for practical support, try our legal and financial links and government links and resources.

Personal support
This is support for you as a person. You often get it from your adult friendships and relationships. The most valuable personal support comes from people who are available, willing to listen and share ideas and advice, and talk things over in positive and non-judgmental ways.

It can be particularly helpful to find someone who is in the same position as you and who shares things in common. You might find good friends through first-time parent groups or through your kindergarten or school.

Information support
Because parenting involves learning on the job, getting good information is critical for every parent.

Whether you’re wondering about breastfeeding, changes to your body, managing your time or your child’s latest developments, you can look to other parents and friends. You can also read recommended books.

Sometimes different people will give your different advice. So consider any new ideas and ask yourself: does this sound right? What will work best for me and my child? If the topic is one of serious concern, think about who is giving the advice and whether they’re qualified.

There are many sources of information on raising children. This website is a good start. Information and support is also available from:

• parenting and family support organisations
• child health and wellbeing centres and organisations
• parenting groups and play groups
• schools
• babysitting clubs
• libraries
• government departments.

When you need professional help

Support from people in your social network is crucial in the long term. But there will be times when you need more formal support. It’s always best to check with a professional if you:

• have a serious concern or are worried about any aspect of your child’s health, development or behaviour
• have tried strategies suggested on this website or in books and are still having trouble
• are having persistent feelings of depression, anger or resentment towards your child
• are frequently fighting with your partner, having fights that aren’t resolved, or if there is violence in your relationship.

Note: research has shown that depending too heavily on health professionals can be a problem for parents, especially if they rely too much on professionals for personal or practical support.

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  Newsletter snippet: Services and support: in a nutshell
  

  All parents need support. Parents who seek and accept support are better able to look after their children.

  You need three types of support as a parent:

  • practical help with daily parenting – this can come from extended family, friends, teachers, church elders, neighbours and other parents
  • personal support for you as a person – this often comes from your adult friendships and relationships
  • information support – the Raising Children website is a good start.

  Seek professional help if you are:

  • worried about your child’s health, development or behaviour
  • having persistent feelings of depression, anger or resentment towards your child
  • frequently fighting with your partner.

  This article is an extract only. For more information, visit raisingchildren.net.au/articles/grownups_services_and_support_nutshell.html
  
  Sourced from the Raising Children Network’s comprehensive and quality-assured Australian parenting website www.raisingchildren.net.au