Parenting Support
21 Dealing With ... Cards
These cards are available from your library. The 21 cards cover a variety of topics relevant to being a parent. Each card lists some books which will provide more information on each topic. If the book you need is being borrowed at the time, staff at the library can suggest alternatives or request the book from another library.
Click here to view more information about 21 Dealing With ... Cards.
ADHD
ADHD refers to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. If you have concerns, discuss these with your health visitor, school nurse or GP.
The following website and books offer further information:-
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/pages/symptoms.aspx
Click here to view more information about ADHD.
Bed wetting
Bedwetting is normal in children who are under five years old and sometimes affects older children too. Most young children will wet the bed at some stage. If your child is wetting the bed, it is good to remember that it is not their fault and that they have no control over it. You may find it helpful to talk to your family doctor or health visitor as well as checking out the information available at:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bedwetting/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Click here to view more information about Bed wetting.
Being different
Being different can mean different things to different people. Whatever it means to you and your child you will want to do the best for him or her. There are many sources of information and advice to support you.
Click here to view more information about Being different.
Bereavement
When someone close to you dies, whether it is a child, parent, grandparent, relative, friend or even a pet, it affects everyone in the family in a different way. Through sharing the experience, talking about it and openly showing grief, we support one another and gradually cope with our loss.
Click here to view more information about Bereavement.
Bullying
Making Essex a safe and happy place to learn
In Essex we are agreed that bullying in any form is unacceptable. We aim to make Essex a safe and happy place in which to live and learn.
Click here to view more information about Bullying.
Children's health
The health of your children is one of the most important things you can support. All children get ill from time to time, and it can be difficult to know when to seek help.
This card suggests books to give advice around common illnesses a child may suffer from.
Click here to view more information about Children's health.
Family break up
When a family breaks up, it affects everyone and relationships can become very difficult. You yourself may feel angry, relieved or upset and children may feel the same. Often feeling guilty that they have caused the break up. It may take you all a long while to adjust but talking and listening to each other openly can help. By realising you are not alone and there are others who you can talk to you will find support is available.
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Family_break_up_how_to_cope
Click here to view more information about Family break up.
Fears
As adults we should listen to our children’s concerns and take time to talk about how he or she feels. Reassure your child as much as you can and together you can help them overcome them.
Click here to view more information about Fears.
Growing up (body changes and sex)
Puberty marks the change from being a child to becoming an adult and takes place over several years starting as young as eight for some girls. Puberty is caused by the release of hormones and can result in physical, psychological and behavioural changes. Click on the following link for more information and to see a video clip of teenagers talking about their experience of growing up:
Click here to view more information about Growing up (body changes and sex).
Healthy living for children
One of the best gifts you can give your children is a healthy lifestyle habit, not only will they have the energy to enjoy life to the full but they will sleep better, be more alert and ready to learn, behave better and are less likely to suffer from long term health conditions throughout their lives.
Click here to view more information about Healthy living for children.
Lying or telling fibs
Children do this sometimes. There may be a range of different reasons why this happens and you need to be sensitive to what else is going on in their lives. Sometimes children have a strong imagination and may not be able to distinguish between fantasy and reality. Don’t overlook it - talk about it. Encourage truth telling and openness.
Click here to view more information about Lying or telling fibs.
New baby
Whether you are pregnant or a new parent there are likely to be many questions you need answers to. The arrival of a new baby can be an exciting but exhausting time. Help is at hand in many forms. Your health visitor or local children's centre will be able to offer support and information and there are many useful helplines and websites available too.
To find your nearest children's centre click
http://childrenscentresfinder.direct.gov.uk/childrenscentresfinder/
Whether your child is a newborn, a toddler or a pre-schooler, the NHS "Birth to five" guide offers information, videos and interactive tools to help you. The guide answers common questions such as how to soothe a crying baby, how to spot the signs of serious illness, how to cope if an accident happens, and how to check your child's development. The guide also includes information for new parents about personal wellbeing, rights, benefits and NHS services. To go the gide, click on
http://www.nhs.uk/planners/birthtofive/pages/birthtofivehome.aspx
Start4Life provides up-to-date advice on breastfeeding, introducing solid food and active play. See:
http://www.nhs.uk/start4life/pages/welcome-so-start4life.aspx
If you are concerned that your baby may be ill, seek medical advice.
Click here to view more information about New baby.
New Baby - Books for Children
Click the link below for books you can share with your child.
Click here to view more information about New Baby - Books for Children.
New experiences
Children have new experiences all the time. Some are everyday experiences and lead to them learning new things about the world around them or experiencing new situations; others can be more daunting or even frightening or upsetting. All you can do as a parent is be ready to listen to them, encourage them to share their experiences or express their fears and concerns and reassure them that you still love them whatever happens.
Click here to view more information about New experiences.
Potty and toilet training
Potty training can be an exciting time of growing up but can also be stressful. Every child is different and the age at which children are ready to be potty trained varies enormously. Your health visitor can offer information and support.
Click on the following link for information and ideas:
http://www.nhs.uk/planners/birthtofive/pages/pottytrainingtips.aspx
Click here to view more information about Potty and toilet training.
Sibling rivalry
Rivalry between children is common and covers a multitude of feelings. Brothers and sisters often feel jealous and resentful because it is hard to share a parent - they compete for love and attention. Talk about it and accept and understand their feelings but avoid blame. Develop each child’s own self-esteem and find time to do special activities with them to boost their confidence .
Click here to view more information about Sibling rivalry.
Sleep
Good sleep routines help establish a familiar pattern each evening and a child will respond to a loving, gentle approach.
Click here to view more information about Sleep.
Starting school
Most children soon settle into the new routines of school, but for many it is a big step. As parents we can sometimes underestimate what a huge experience this is for them. Allow for times when they will be over-tired, avoid too many out-of-school activities at first and give lots of reassurance.
Click here to view more information about Starting school.
Tantrums
It can be difficult being a toddler. Young children can have tantrums simply because their brains are not yet developed to cope with strong emotions. Your child’s feelings and emotions can be very powerful and they have a limited understanding of our world. Understanding and giving reassurance can help.
Contact: Your Health Visitor or local Children’s Centre
Click here to view more information about Tantrums.
Understanding your teenager
The teenage years can be exciting and challenging both for parent/carers and young people.
This card suggests reading material where you will be able to find advice, guidance and support.
Click here to view more information about Understanding your teenager.
Where do babies come from
Young children are naturally curious about their bodies and other people. By answering any questions they ask, you can help them to understand their bodies, their feelings and other people's feelings. This is a good basis for open and honest communication about sex and relationships, growing up and going through puberty.
Click here to view more information about Where do babies come from.