General

Sometimes parenting is more difficult than first expected, or we are not “a natural” at coping with a young baby or toddler. The reality is that parenting is a demanding and challenging role that requires a lot of skills. Not all people have learnt the skills for parenting and most do not know what to do in every single situation that you may find yourself in as a new parent. This is where parenting education can help. It can teach you basic skills such as nappy changing and hygiene, and other skills such as budgeting, communication skills, how to access childcare, and how to look after yourself when things get tough. Parenting groups are also a good way to meet other parents in your area.

Listed below are some services that are able to provide you with more information on parenting.

Parentline
1300 301 300
Support and information on all issues facing parents. Available 8am-10pm.

24 Hour Child Health Line
1800 177 279 (outside Brisbane) or (07) 3862 2333
Queensland Health government service staffed by child health nurses.

Playgroup Association of QLD
1800 171 882
Playgroups help parents and carers to share ideas, experiences and worries, to learn from each other, and support each other.

Young Parents

Young Parents Program
(07) 3357 9944
Provides health care, support, counselling, and parenting groups. They can assist young people who are having difficulties with housing, health, money, friends, family, partners, school, or anything else. Located at Kedron, North Brisbane.

Youth and Family Service (Logan City) Inc
Runs a young parent’s group and antenatal classes.

Young Mums

Young Mothers for Young Women
(07) 3844 4866
Provide support for young mothers (under 21) through peer support networks, and address the issues often present in young women’s lives. Located at West End.

Inala Young Mum’s Program
(07) 3278 8755
Supports young pregnant and parenting women up to 25. They provide information, counselling, and support as well as running mothers' groups.

Dads

Most parenting support groups are mainly attended by women, as women remain the primary child carer in most families. However, there are services available specifically for men. Contact:

Mensline
1300 78 99 78
Provides information, support and counselling for men 24 hours a day 7 days a week for the cost of a local call.