Being a parent
After nine months of waiting for your baby to arrive - your whole life will change in an instant! Being a mum or a dad is wonderful and rewarding, but it can also be exhausting, stressful and a bit of a mystery – babies don’t come with instructions!
Thankfully, there's lots of information and support out there to help you look after your child and enjoy being a parent. Here are just some of the places to go to for information:
www.parentlineplus.org.uk
On this website you'll find information on most aspects of being a parent. This information includes advice on all stages of parenthood including: new babies; toddlers and balancing work and home. You can also call the Parentline Plus free helpline on 0808 800 2222.
www.thesite.org
This website has information on most aspects of being a parent, from life as a new parent, to birth fathers rights and child-proofing your home.
www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk
This is a national charity that helps lone parent and their families. You can find fact sheets about splitting up, the Child Support Agency, money for study, housing and much more. There’s also a ‘Young Mums Guide’ that’s packed full of good advice. Read it on line or call the Lone Parent Helpline on 0800 018 5026 for your free copy.
www.bbc.co.uk/parenting
There's loads of information, advice and tips on the BBC parenting website. You can also find out what radio or TV programmes are coming up that might be useful.
www.cafamily.org.uk
Contact a Family (CaF) is a UK charity that provides advice, information and support for families with disabled children - no matter what their condition or disability. If you need information, advice or support on any aspect of caring for a disabled child, contact the helpline on 0808 808 3555 or textphone 0808 808 3556 or e-mail: helpline@cafamily.org.uk
Who can help?
Children are very expensive. Family members may be able to offer you advice and practical support with bringing up your child. but you should also make sure you're getting the benefits you're entitled to.
Staffordshire Support Service for Young Families (SSYF) have specially trained staff who work with young families, including young fathers between the ages of 13 and 19. They can help you make well informed decisions about your life choices and inform and guide you with more practical support options such as housing, benefit entitlements, local support groups and the Care to Learn scheme. Speak to your Connexions Personal Adviser for more information.
