Best Parenting Support Services in Australia 2022
Becoming a parent is one of the greatest moments in your life. Bringing new life into the world is an incredible journey, but it can also be extremely tough. Learning how to care for and support your little one as they grow up can seem daunting, but thankfully there are multiple parenting support services out there to help you learn and care for your child.
Here at Journey, we know how tough it can be. The journey of your child’s growth and learning about the world around them is a wonderful experience, and we have taken a closer look at the best parenting support services in Australia in 2022.
Why is family support important?
Before we take a look at some of the most popular services available, it is first important to understand why family support is essential. This support can come from a range of sources, from telephone lines and books to online forums and classes, but their aim is the same: to help parents improve their knowledge so they can support their loved ones as they grow.
These support sources are designed to support parents from all walks of life, and while they are most commonly used by new parents, they can still prove useful for those who already have children. However, they are most beneficial to those families experiencing some kind of disadvantages, such as mental health issues, learning difficulties, or substance abuse.
Parenting support – Government program/consultation
When it comes to parenting support services, one of the most useful sources is the government itself. There are multiple resources available for parents, but some of the most useful include:
1. Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY)
The Hippy program is a free, two-year course that is designed to support and empower parents during those critical early years. Over the 24 months, parents will learn the important role they play in their child’s development and learning.
Parents typically enter the program the year before their child begins school, and during the first year, children will have 30 weeks of activities to support their literacy and numeracy skills. These activities are then built upon in the second year.
Families will receive a free set of activity packs, while a trained home tutor will visit fortnightly. There are also group meetings for parents to share their experiences with others.
2. Single parents/Mental health/Child and parent disability/Multicultural service/Aboriginal
Being a parent is tough, but for single parents, those living with disabilities, or any other challenges, that can be even harder. Thankfully, there are an array of services out there to help with practical, emotional, and personal support.
This could be specific childcare help, having someone listen to your concerns, or advice from parents in similar situations as yourself. This children and parenting support can come from your GP, local community health centres, professional organisations and telephone services.
Parenting Podcasts
Podcasts are one of the fastest-growing parenting support services in the country. These are a great way to learn around your busy schedule, and some of the most popular include:
There is no instruction manual for having a baby, but this ABC podcast shares unique insights, tips and advice to new parents.
Juggling raising a child with looking after yourself and pursuing your career is incredibly tough. The Everyday Mother podcast talks through those issues that every mother faces and shares unique ideas to help you connect with your loved ones.
The Spot Family Podcast is a fantastic resource that takes a deep dive into child development, health, and learning. This in-depth podcast examines the science behind these areas and what you can do to support your child.
Parenting Websites
The internet is an incredible parenting support tool, offering a huge array of options to improve your knowledge and seek support, no matter the age of your child. However, with so many websites and forums available, it can be tough to know where to start. That is why we have taken a closer look at some of our favourites:
This website is one of the best parenting support services available. Supported by the Department of Social Services, it offers a huge array of free parenting advice from pregnancy through to raising teenagers.
This is the website of the popular magazine of the same name and features an array of articles designed to provide insight and information on all stages of your child’s development.
This is a fantastic resource and covers everything parents need to raise their children. The comprehensive website pulls information from a wide range of proven sources.
Parenting Apps
Apps are quickly growing in popularity, allowing parents to access the resources they need on the go, no matter where they might be. Some of the most popular include:
- Child 360
Available on both the App Store and Google Play, Child 360 offers a holistic approach to supporting your child with their social and emotional wellbeing, providing tips and information to help build their resilience.
- Family5
This popular app is aimed at parents with children between the ages of 1 and 12, providing them educational advice and tips on how to develop better habits.
- Hello Joey
Parenting can be a tricky journey to navigate, and this app supports parents on the more challenging topics such as discipline and dealing with picky eaters.
Parenting Books
Books have always been one of the most popular forms of parenting support services, and there is a huge array to help parents cover every aspect of raising their child. Some of the most popular include:
- Babies & Toddlers, Kaz Cooke
Packed with helpful suggestions, information and advice, this book is supported with insight from over thirty medical and child experts. It is also updated each year with further info, so you know you always have the best support.
- Ten Things Every Parent Needs To Know, Dr Justin Coulson
As a leading expert in parenting, Dr Justin Coulson explores the ten most important things that every parent should know when raising their child.
- Everyday Resilience, Michelle Mitchell
This book explores the seven key traits that children should learn on their journey to adolescence, including gratitude, courage, self-awareness, empathy, self-care, contribution and responsibility.
Need help on your journey?
The journey of being a parent can be tough, but it is also the most rewarding thing you can do in life. Here at Journey, we know how tough it can be. That is why we offer an array of support to help you on this path, from our Child Care Subsidy Calculator to our Funded Kindergarten Program, so if you need help, get in touch today to find out more.
