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                    Parenting and support services

                    Woman holding young child, facing away from camera
                    For parents and carers of young children.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Support is available to parents in the City of Melbourne through individual appointments, practical parenting advice and information sessions.

                    Parent/carer chat

                    Parenting Services offers a range of services and programs to support you on your parenting journey. Would you like to understand and better guide your child’s behaviour? Please see the links provided in the document below, and if you would like to discuss the strategies with a member of our Parenting Services Team, please contact us by emailing parentingservices@melbourne.vic.gov.au.​​

                    Parent education programs​​​​​​​

                    Being a dad

                    Download a range of resources and groups about being a dad.

                    Bringing Up Great Kids

                    ​Bringing Up Great Kids is a free, six-week parenting program which promotes respectful and caring relationships between parents / carers and their children. It supports parents and carers of children aged 0-10 years to:

                    • Reflect on their parenting style and what has influenced it 
                    • Learn more about brain development and its influence on their children’s thoughts, feelings and behaviour 
                    • Understand and respond more mindfully to their children’s behaviour 
                    • Build effective communication with their children 
                    • Consider ways to take care of themselves and to find support if they need it. 

                    Dates: Tuesdays, 20 February - 26 March 2024  

                    Time: 1.30pm - 3.00pm 

                    Where:  Family Services at Carlton Baths, 248 Rathdowne Street, Carlton​

                    Please note: child minding is not available, but babies in arms are welcome.

                    Bookings are essential. For more information, please contact City of Melbourne Parenting Services.

                    Circle of security

                    This parent education course explores the relationship between care givers and their children to further enhance attachment. 

                    This program will be co-facilitated between City of Melbourne’s Family Support and Counselling team, and MacKillop Family Services.

                    Dates and times:

                    Fridays: 10am – 12pm
                    2 February to 22 March 2024

                    Venue:

                    narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services (3rd Floor)
                    454 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 (next to Queen Victoria Market)​

                    How to get there:

                    Family Services is located on level 3. Ensure you are accessing the centre via 454 Queen Street and not Therry Street. 

                    By Tram (from Melbourne City)

                    Catch the number 19 – towards Coburg North tram from the city. These trams travel along Collins Street and Melbourne Central. Get off at stop 7-Queen Victoria Market and walk down Therry Street (3 minute walk).

                    Catch the number 59-towards Airport West tram from the city. These trams travel along Collins Street and Melbourne Central. Get off at stop 7- Queen Victoria Market and walk down towards Therry Street (3 minute walk)

                    Catch the number 57-towards West Maribyrnong tram from the city. Get off at stop 7-Queen Victoria Market and walk down towards Therry Street (3 minute walk).

                    By Bus
                    Catch the bus 234 (towards Queen Victoria Market), bus 605 (towards Queen Street) or bus 216 (towards Sunshine Station) from Flinders lane/ Queen Street. Get off at Queen Street/A’beckett Street.

                    By Train
                    The centre is a 10-15 minute walk from Flagstaff or Melbourne Central stations. 

                    By Car
                    Parking is available on Franklin and Leicester Street.

                    How to join
                    For more information and to register please email supportandcounselling@melbourne.vic.gov.au 

                    ​Engaging in play

                    ​Download resources and ideas on how to engage in play with your child.

                    Parenting information program

                    Our parenting information program provides information sessions on a range of topics. All sessions are free and families with children of all ages​ are invited to attend any session. To submit your interest fill out the online form at parenting information program.​

                    Parenting a kindergarten-aged child (3 to 4 years)​

                    If your child is turning 3 or 4 years of age by 30 April, they are eligible for kindergarten. For more information please visit the Kindergarten​ pa​ge.  ​​​

                    Parenting services onli​ne and outdoor program

                    The online and outdoor program has a range of free activities for families with young children to enjoy.

                    Parenting services outdoor play program

                    The summer break is a great time ​to explore your neighbourhood and some of the wonderful parks and playgrounds we have in the City of Melbourne.

                    Sustainable (green) parenting

                    Welcoming new families to Melbourne program

                    Welcoming new families to Melbourne is a great way for families who are new to living in the municipality to connect with the local community and discover and access the many free services available for families. 

                    Presentation and information is available at Welcoming new families to Melbourne or email parentingservices@melbourne.vic.gov.au.

                    Book an event

                    To book an individual event on the program email Parenting services and include your name, postcode and phone number in your request.

                    Contact us

                    Contact name
                    Parenting Services - when calling, ask to speak to someone in the Parenting Services Team
                    Telephone number
                    03 9340 142203 9340 1422

                    More information

                    ​Several family support group programs including a program to support new parents experiencing difficulties and individual support is also available for parents. For more details email parentingservices@melbourne.vic.gov.au or talk to your Maternal and Child Health Nurse.

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