Parenting
Support for the everyday and the difficult parts of raising kids.
What it is
Parenting support covers a wide range — from everyday behaviour and communication questions to handling a child's mental health, a separation, or a child in alternate care. None of it requires things to have gone wrong first.
Good to know
Asking for parenting support is not a sign you're doing it wrong — some of the most consistent users of family counselling are parents who are doing fine and want to keep it that way.
What helps
Family-centred counselling, for the whole family rather than just the child, is often more effective than addressing a child's behaviour in isolation, since most of what's happening is relational, not just individual.
When to seek help
If a pattern at home is causing ongoing stress for you or your child, the Janeway Family Centre and Doorways both take family concerns directly, without requiring a crisis first.
Services that can help
- Kids Help PhoneFree, confidential professional counselling for children and youth, in English and French. Call 1-800-668-6868, or text CONNECT to 686868, any time.
- Caregivers NLSupport line for family and informal caregivers.
- Perinatal Program Newfoundland Labrador (PPNL)Maternal and newborn health resources, including perinatal mental health support.
- Postpartum Support InternationalMaternal mental health support line, call or text.
- Strongest Families InstituteFree, evidence-based skill-building programs for children, youth, and families - delivered by phone and online coaching on your schedule. Self-referral accepted.
- Seniors NLFree province-wide information, referral, and friendly-caller support for older adults and their families, including help finding mental health and community supports.
Related topics
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you're in crisis, go to Get Help Now instead of reading further.