Parenting is a big job, but hopefully some of these resources and apps will help you on the way.
There are services ranging from pre-birth all the way to school age children so hopefully there is something you will find useful for your family.
SMS4dads
Fathers, Dads-to-be, Families & Health Professionals. Receive free text messages, support, info & tips – especially for dads & dads-to-be (Info & Tips for New Dads – SMS4dads)
Join up for SMS4dads, to receive three messages a week. You can join up from 12-weeks of pregnancy all the way to your baby turning one. With a range of tips and advice as well as check-ins for Dads’ wellbeing and special messages for those with a child in the NICU or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Support Me
Support Me is an app for parents to keep an eye on their wellness, and get insights into the lifestyle factors that influence it.
The aim of the Support Me app on the apple platform is to support parents in the perinatal period (0-4 years). It will allow you to track your mood, become aware of external influence on your mood state, learn how to access and seek support, as well as the ability to alert your selected “support person” when you may need extra care. (Support Me – WA Centre for Perinatal Mental Health & Parenting Support (wacpps.org.au))
Bright Tomorrows
A baby’s brain is a remarkable little creature forming more than a million neural connections every second when activated. Babies learn through spending time with their parents and other special people in their life. We’ve created Bobbie to show us all the emotions, thoughts and responses that happen in a child’s brain when a baby experiences meaningful moments. These meaningful moments, especially if they occur early in a child’s life and often, build strong brains, providing a strong foundation for their life.
Download the Bright Tomorrows app today to receive access to over 1000 meaningful moments and tips to help build young brains. (Bright Tomorrows)
Coming out of a partnership between Telethon Kids Institute and Better Beginnings, this app also allows you to sign up for Rhyme a Day, giving you access to a curated selection of 30 rhymes that combines the power of language, music, and creativity to enhance children’s development.
Building Active Bodies and Brains
Building Active Bodies and Brains is a series of free resources for parents of children aged one to five years, developed by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and Playgroup WA. The series includes videos, information and imaginative play ideas to help your child develop fundamental movement skills. (Building Active Bodies & Brains | Parent Resources | Playgroup WA)
Playgroup WA have a range of amazing resources for parents and families. So please take the time to have a look at their website after you’ve checked out this resource.
‘Tough Times’ Communication
Being a parent doesn’t mean you are unaffected by life’s challenges. This resource will help you in communicating with your baby during ‘tough times’ (e.g. relationship conflicts or separation, illness, financial difficulties, job stress, etc.), so that they feel secure and nurtured. It includes a reflective exercise and steps you through:
- understanding how your experience of adversity affects you
- what your baby might notice and experience during these ‘tough times’; and
- communicating with your baby to support a nurturing connection. (Communicating with your baby during ‘tough times’ – Emerging Minds)
A Parent’s Guide to Kidsafe Homes
Homes are very special places. At home we feel comfortable and safe. But sometimes our homes may not be safe enough for children.
Injuries are the biggest health problem our children face.
Beacon
Beacon is designed specifically for parents as a personalised, one-stop-shop for reliable information about the online world. It arms parents and carers with the knowledge they need to confidently help navigate their children’s digital behaviour and reduce harms we know are associated with being online.
Beacon will shine a light on the online world with:
• Articles and videos backed by the latest research
• Tailored content and alerts, unique to your family needs
• Create your own family agreement
• Help and services that are available to you and your family
Cyber Friendly Primary Schools – Helping Kids Interact Positively Online
We know that a child’s development is strongly impacted by everything and everyone around them. Which is why it is no surprise that families, teachers and others within a child’s school community can influence how kids interact online and offline.
For kids to positively engage online with others, there are a whole bunch of skills they need. These skills are often called ‘social and emotional learning’ or SEL skills and are most effective when taught early.
There are separate sections for Families, Teachers and School Leaders.
Augmented Reality Safety Education
The future of engaging safety education for children.
Using the power of augmented reality, Arility brings your road safety lessons to life with 360 degree visuals and sound effects!
Available on the App or Play Store
