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Play and learning

Parents from diverse cultural backgrounds talk about play and learning for babies and young children. Playing games, reading books and singing songs helps your child learn and grow. It’s also a fun way to spend time together.

Connecting and communicating

Parents from diverse cultural backgrounds talk about connecting and communicating with babies and toddlers. They say they talk a lot, get down on their children’s level, make eye contact and smile. This encourages children to talk, learn and develop.

Parenting in a new country

Migrant worker Halime Duzen talks about the experience of being a parent in a new country. Some parents describe migrating to Australia and starting a family. They talk about feeling isolated and struggling with the language barrier. They also say you can get involved in the community by contacting your local council or library to find out about services and activities.

Bilingualism: speaking two languages at home

Migrant worker Halime Duzen and parents from diverse cultural backgrounds talk about bilingualism and speaking two languages. They say learning English is important, but it’s also good to keep speaking your family’s first language at home. It helps children stay connected to their communities and talk to their relatives.

Supported By

  • Department of Social Services

Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

Member Organisations

  • Parenting Research Centre
  • The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
  • Murdoch Children's Research Institute

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