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Parenting our way: When you need a little more support

This resource is part of Parenting our way, a collection of resources created with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents, families and workers to support children’s social and emotional wellbeing.

 

Sometimes children may need some extra support – or you as a parent may need a little support to understand what your child is going through. A good first step is to reach out to family and friends.

In this video (56 seconds), Shae talks about what she does first when things get tough.

Sometimes, children might be going through something that’s hard to figure out. It might feel like you need more support than what your family and friends can offer. This might be because your child is:

  • more upset than usual
  • not sleeping well
  • hurting themselves or others
  • playing up at school
  • just not acting like themselves.

In the next video (1 minute, 16 seconds), Yvonne describes what parents may see if their child needs a little extra help.

It can be hard to know your child may need some extra support. But it’s OK to reach out for help, and it doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent or that you are failing.

Watch this video (52 seconds) to hear Shae talk more about reaching out through tough times.

Where to get support

Your local health service or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) can be a good place to start when looking for support.

If you’re not sure about your local services, you might try an online search (e.g. on Google) for ‘Aboriginal health services near me’ or ‘parenting support near me’.

You can also access this map of ACCHOs across urban, regional and remote Australia:

ACCHO locations – NACCHO

Other people or services you could talk to include:

  • your doctor or general practitioner (GP)
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) – they often have Aboriginal Mental Health Wellbeing Workers and Clinicians who support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families
  • a social worker
  • a psychologist or counsellor.

Click on the following headings to view 24/7 support services and other resources.

  • These services offer 24/7 mental health support:

     

    • 13Yarn: Call 13 92 76 to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis support worker.
    • Brother to brother 24-hour crisis line: Call this crisis line for Aboriginal men on 1800 435 799 to talk about parenting, relationships or anything else on your mind.
    • Lifeline Australia: Call 13 11 14 if you are feeling overwhelmed, or if you, your child or family are in crisis.
    • Kids Helpline: Children and young people (ages five to 25 years) can call 1800 55 1800 to talk or get information.

     

  • These websites are full of helpful information to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities:

     

    • WellMob: A website sharing resources made by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including websites, apps, podcasts, videos, helplines, social media and online programs – all with a focus on social and emotional wellbeing.
    • Baby coming you ready?: A digital platform to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mums and dads in the first 1000 days of baby’s life.
    • Replanting the birthing trees resource hub: A hub of accessible resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents, family members, carers and community members supporting children and families.

     

 

What’s next? Explore other Parenting our way resources:

Discover more resources

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