Safe parenting
Your role as a parent is one of the most difficult there is – it can be both challenging and rewarding. It is a role where very little training is given to prepare parents for what lies ahead.
If you are concerned that a child or young person is at significant risk of harm, please contact your local Duty and Assessment team.
What is safe parenting?
Every family experiences difficulty from time to time and this can test parents. When additional pressures come along, these can make a hard job nearly impossible. At these times it may be difficult to think about what help or information you might need.
When things go wrong it does not mean that someone has failed in parenting – things go wrong for everyone. It is often the way difficulties are handled that can make a difference to your children, both now and in the future.
There is no such thing as the perfect parent. However, there are some ways that you can make it less stressful and a more rewarding experience.
What is the 'Safe parenting' handbook?
To help parents through difficult times we have produced the 'Safe parenting' handbook. It gives information to help you find your way through what can be a maze of issues and advice. It includes contacts and further information you can follow up when you are deciding how to deal with your worries and difficulties.
The handbook also lists some of the warning signs of practical difficulties and offers helpful tips.
Topics include:
- Babysitting – who can I leave my child with?
- Bullying – the real story
- Child exploitation – myths and realities
- Childminding, daycare and fostering – how do I make the right choice?
- Children left alone – common sense and the law
- Domestic violence – how does it affect children?
- Don’t shake the baby – different ways to cope
- Drug misuse – how would I know?
- Health & safety – making your home safe
- Missing – from home and school
- Positive parenting & self-esteem – make them feel great
- Smacking – the debate
- Teenage pregnancy & sexual health – preventative parenting
- Worried about a child – should you mind your own business?
