Parenting Resources
Being a parent can be very rewarding but it can sometimes also be difficult. For that reason many parents and carers welcome advice or help.
Parents want to give their children a good start in life and see them succeed, and we know the quality of parenting has an impact on children, families, communities and society.
All parents have the right to expect high-quality information, advice and support from public services.
Below are plenty of useful resources that we have brought together for you to use.
If you have any enquiries or would like further support or information to access services, please contact a member of the City of London Early Help Team: 020 7332 3621 (Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm).
If you would like to find out more about the City of London Early Help Offer, including information on making a referral to the City of London Early Help Service, please go to the Early Help web page.
First Steps Early Intervention
Parent Webinar on how to support your child emotionally through COVID-19 by First Steps Early Intervention and Community Psychology Service.
The one-hour Parent Webinars cover:
- Understanding your own and your children's feelings
- Supporting children's emotional well being and managing difficult feelings
- Managing your child's confidence
- and advice during the COVID-19 pandemic
Every Mind Matters
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. Every Mind Matters have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your child's mental health and wellbeing.
Charities supporting families to live secure, happy and fulfilling lives.
- The Money Advice Service offer free and impartial money advice.
- Gingerbread support single parent families to live secure, happy and fulfilling lives.
- City Advice offer a confidential and impartial service and are qualified to advise on donsumer and employment rights, welfare benefits, debt, housing and legal issues, relationships and health and wellbeing. Email City Advice or call them on 020 7392 2919.
- First Love Foundation provide emergency food and high-quality advice and support to help people get back on their feet. Contact City Advice for more information.
Action for Children
On hand to support parents when you need it. Browse articles on the most common parenting questions from Action for Children experts or talk one-to-one with a qualified parenting coach about anything that is worrying you. It is all free, and no topic is too big, small or embarrassing.
Families Under Pressure
A series of eight short films offering parenting tips from Kings College London and the Maudsley Hospital.
Featuring the recognisable voices of a host of well-known parents including Olivia Coleman, Rob Brydon, Holly Willoughby, Danny Dyer, Sharon Horgan, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Romesh Ranganathan and Shappi Khorsandi.
- TIP 1: Keeping positive and motivated.
- TIP 2: Making sure everyone knows what is expected of them.
- TIP 3: Building your child’s self-confidence and trust in you.
- TIP 4: Getting your child to follow instructions.
- TIP 5: Promoting better behaviour.
- TIP 6: How to limit conflict
- TIP 7: Keeping calm when your kids act up.
- TIP 8: Using sanctions carefully – Comedian and author.
Visit Families Under Pressure for more information.
NSPCC parenting tips
Parenting can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. NSPCC have got parenting tips for all stages of your child's life, as well as advice on how to deal with difficult situations.
City and Hackney First Steps
You and your family will already have many strengths and ideas of your own that can help you overcome challenges and get through difficult times. CAMHS try to help you to recognise and build on your strengths as you work together.
Parentchannel.tv
Parentchannel.tv is a free video service designed to support and inspire parents and carers of children from ages 0-19. Over 200 videos look at questions and concerns around well being, behaviour and learning. In making these videos Parentchannel.tv have engaged experts and parents every step of the way.
Coping with crying babies
Support for parents/carers with crying babies.
- I – Infant crying is normal.
- C – Comforting methods can help.
- O – It is OK to walk away.
- N – Never ever shake a baby.
Speak to someone if you need support, such as your family, friends, Midwife, GP or Health Visitor.
Speech and Language
Progress checkers will provide short questions you can answer to see how your baby or child is getting on with their speech, language and communication development.
The Easy Peasy app - An online programme using demonstration videos to prompt families to enhance interaction with their children (recommended by I CAN).
Support from Family Lives
Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling. The issues they support families with include family breakdown, challenging relationships and behaviour, debt, and emotional and mental well being.
Family Lives offer parents a 24 hour free helpline number on 0808 800 2222, or alternatively you can email Family Lives for support.
Reducing Parental Conflict
Gain access to articles, discussion points and videos that may help conversations around relationship difficulties from:
Child to Parent Violence
Who's in Charge? offers support aimed at parents/carers whose children are being abusive or violent toward them or who appear out of parental control.
Samaritans works to make sure there is always someone there for anyone who needs someone.
If you feel like you can't cope or just need somebody to talk to, you can call Samaritans on 116 123 from any phone for free (24/7 365 days a year).