Support

Click here for a printable version of this document 

The text for this topic is copyright Parenting SA, Government of South Australia.

"Mum: I'm old enough to move out and get a place of my own."

"What for . . . where you going to go?"

"Thinking about sharing a flat with friends."

"Alright then, maybe I can help you get some stuff together, let's talk to Auntie, she might be able to help. Maybe she can help you with some furniture and I can help with baby for a little while ... unna?"

"Yeah, thanks."

Everyone needs some sort of support at some time in their lives.

As a parent you will experience a lot of different emotions, which can sometimes leave you feeling lost.

You might have times that are so bad you can't look after your family or it stops you being a good parent.

An important part of our family life is our respect for our family, and how much we value the people in it, and the support we get from each other.

If you are frustrated, frightened or anxious, remember that no one is perfect and that all parents feel this way sometimes. All parents make some mistakes along the way. It's okay to make mistakes, but it is important to learn from them and try to do things differently next time.

Things that can cause worry

• not having a job 
• sickness in the family
• housing problems - including moving house
• problems that come with drug and alcohol abuse
• no-one around for support when you need help
• feeling low, or having no confidence, not feeling good about yourself
• problems in your relationships (with partner or other family members)
• big changes in your life (marriage, separation from loved ones, kids leaving home or family breakdown).

These things might help

• Know that good and bad feelings are normal for most parents.
• Tell yourself that it's OK not to have all the answers.
• Give yourself a treat.
• Tell yourself that you are doing an important job.
• Get to know people in your networks in the community.
• Pat yourself on the back for the difficult work you do through the day.
• Keep on asking for help until you find someone who really listens (there is always someone who can help us when we are down).
• Most of all trust yourself.

These places might be able to help you

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services 6205 4798
• Barnardos Parenting and Outreach Program 6241 5466
• Child and Family Centres -
  Tuggeranong 6207 8228
  Gungahlin 6207 1020
• Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation 6231 9555
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Parentline 6287 3833
• Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service 6284 6220

ACT Govt Publication No 08/0618 May 08 (Revised 0907)