Helping your baby to feel safe
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Trust is one of the most important things in a relationship between a parent and child. To establish trust it is important for a parent to understand their child's development and it is important that a parent's behaviour is consistent and understandable.
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Parents learn about their child through watching and thinking about her or him, but also through learning about child development. You will find good books in your local library.
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Children need a routine. Changes can be scary for them. They rely on their parents to protect them and to give them stability. Sometimes, especially when things in the parent's life go wrong, the parent can't give the child what it needs. At some point all parents feel frustrated or angry with their children. That is normal, but when it becomes too much it is important to try and get help so that the relationship between the parent and child is not threatened.
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There are a few things you can do to prevent yourself becoming too angry and frustrated:
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- Parenting groups or other groups for young mothers are great, just to talk about things and get a few ideas. You can also ask at your local Community Health Centre or ring the regional Parenting Resource Centre.
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- Talk with your Maternal and Child Health Nurse.
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- There are quite a few books about parenting. The Department of Human Resources has produced a booklet / pamphlet and video combination, called Positive Parenting. You can get it for free at your Maternal and Child Health Centre.
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- Ring Parents Anonymous. This is a telephone counselling service from parents for parents. They can talk you through difficult situations and give you some ideas about what to do. Their number is 9654 4654.
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- Contact a Parenting Resource Centre in your region. They have workers and services to help with parenting issues.
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