Parenting under 11s
Becoming a parent brings with it lots of joy but also considerable challenges. As children grow it is expected that their behaviours, language and feelings will mature also. At times parents need support to help them understand these changes, especially if they are harmful, upsetting or preventing their child from engaging positively in the world.
tidyMinds has put together useful information and a collection of positive parenting tips.
If the child you support has additional support needs, further information and resources are also available on our ‘Does your child need extra support’ page.
What might help?
There are lots of things that can happen to young people which can affect emotional wellbeing and behaviour. Take a look at our Common Issues page, especially if you’re worried about something in particular.
A host of organisations also offer free parenting resources, including advice and guidance, videos and webinars. We’ve put together a list of places you can go to access these below.
Taking care of yourself is also important. Explore our self-care resources HERE.
Local Information
Swansea – Family Information Service
The Swansea Family Information Service (FIS) is a one stop shop, providing free, quality, impartial information on a wide range of Childcare, Children’s, Family Support and Family related issues and where relevant a signposting service.
Neath Port Talbot – Family Information Service
NPT Family Information Service (FIS) is a one stop shop where parents, carers, young people and professionals can obtain a range of information for children and young people aged 0-25 and their families.
NPT – Early Years Education Psychologists
Parents and carers of pre-school children aged 0 – 5 years old can request support directly from Early Years Educational Psychologists.
If you’re looking for general support/advice to help support your child’s learning, development, play, social and emotional wellbeing, get in touch. The team:
- can support and teach you ideas, activities and strategies that can be used to solve any issues you might be experiencing at home
- help prepare children to transition to school.
Get in touch with the team using the provided link below or:
Email: eyaln@npt.gov.uk
Parenting resources
Charlie Waller Trust
Charlie Waller Trust offers practical advice and relevant information based on clinical evidence. The trust’s resources library enables you to filter results from the website according to your family’s needs. Listen, watch, read or download information. Resources are available to listen to, watch, read and download.
Place2Be’s Parenting Smart Resources
Parenting videos and advice from child mental health experts with practical tips to support children’s wellbeing and behaviour around a range of topics including (but not limited to):
- De-escalation techniques with children
- School transitions/changing schools
- Separation anxiety
- Change and transition difficulties
- Developing resilience
- Bullying
- Friendship issues
- Sibling rivalry
- Homework
- Gaming
- Not wanting to go to school or school refusal
- Familial breakdown/separation
- Bereavement
Nip in the Bud
Films and practical guides on a range of topics relating to supporting children and young people with their mental health and wellbeing brought to you by mental health professionals. Topics include:
- Anxiety
- Low mood
- Eating Disorders
- OCD
- PTSD
- Trauma
- Grief/bereavement
- Smartphones and social media
- Stigma
- Bullying
- ADHD
- School phobia or Emotionally-Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
Parentkind’s Free Parent Webinars
Parentkind offers an evolving roster of free webinars to support everyone in a parenting role.
Tackling a wide range of topics, our webinars are designed to share insight on how you can support your child with a wide range of learning and life experiences, strengthen your understanding of education and school life, and foster solid parent-child relationships along the way.
During these interactive webinars, you’ll be able to engage with our experts, ask questions and connect with others on a similar journey — we believe in the power of community and the strength of sharing experiences and learning together.
Anna Freud’s Resources
On the Anna Freud website you’ll find resources for families, parents and carers of children of all ages covering topics such as:
- Resources for early years wellbeing
- Common difficulties in the early years
- Children and young people’s wellbeing resources
- Advice on how to help parents and carers support a child or young person experiencing poor mental health or wellbeing
- Self-care advice for parents and carers
- Clinical advice for parents and carers in conflict or separating
- Information for adoptive parents, special guardians, kinship carers and foster carers
Tonnau Talks
Tonnau Talks is a series of free online sessions brought to you by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Tonnau Team, the Educational Psychology Service, to help you feel more confident supporting the children and young people in your life.
Videos created by professionals from the Educational Psychology Service cover topics including:
– Getting your child to school
– Supporting exam stress
– Clingy kids
– Helping kids to develop confidence
– Managing meltdowns
– Navigating challenging behaviour
– Helping kids to feel happy
– Talking to teens
– Sexuality and gender identity
– Setting boundaries for sensitive kids
– Raising resilient children
– Understanding sleep
– Gentle parenting
– Young carers, impact and available support
– Grief and bereavement
– Neurodiversity topics including: Sensory processing, attention and regulation and the complexity around ADHD, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and Zones of Regulation (emotional regulation and developing tools to help navigate emotions).
The Tonnau Team are continuing to expand the content available and also run groups, workshops, advice and drop-in sessions in the community as part of the Family Information Service (see information above). Visit the Family Information Service’s Facebook page for the latest details.