Get parenting advice and support
Free parenting advice, programs and playgroups you can get from a Child and Family Centre to support your child’s wellbeing.
If you’re a parent or carer, you can visit or call your local Child and Family Centre to get help with:
- parenting
- adjusting to being a parent
- family relationship issues
- children’s behaviour and development.
Drop in to chat with someone
You don’t need an appointment and it's free.
You can visit or call us between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
- Gungahlin Child and Family Centre, call 02 6207 0120
- Tuggeranong Child and Family Centre, call 02 6207 8228
- West Belconnen Child and Family Centre, call 02 6205 2904
Find a Child and Family Centre.
What to expect when you call or visit
You’ll talk with one of our friendly and supportive child and family workers.
You can talk about any issues or concerns you have. We will:
- listen to you with kindness and respect
- answer any questions you have
- suggest ways to help you, your family and your child
- arrange to see you again, or talk about how we can support you
- give you information to take away.
After your first meeting with us
We will recommend what to do next. This might include:
- joining one of our free parenting programs
- attending a Children’s Behaviour and Emotional Wellbeing Clinic
- joining a free supported playgroup with other parents and children at our centre
- getting a child development screening or assessment
- meeting with a social worker or psychologist
- connecting you with other support such as legal or health services.
If you need ongoing parenting support
Someone will:
- make a plan for your child and family's wellbeing
- organise help for your family
- find ways to manage your child’s behaviour
- keep in regular contact to see how you and your child are doing.
You can meet with a child and family worker:
- at your local Child and Family Centre
- at your home
- at your child's school
- somewhere that suits you.
Parenting programs
A child and family worker might recommend one of our parenting programs or wellbeing clinics.
At our parenting programs, you’ll learn how to support your child’s emotional wellbeing and development.
To find out more, call your local Child and Family Centre.
Read more about our parenting programs
Parents as Teachers home visit program
Parents as Teachers is for first-time parents of children up to 3 years old. A trained parent educator will visit your home each month to give you practical information to help your child develop:
- skills for later learning
- thinking and curiosity, language, movement and social skills.
Children’s Behaviour and Emotional Wellbeing Clinic
If your child is under 8, the Children’s Behaviour and Emotional Wellbeing Clinic can give you information on:
- child development and behaviour
- ways to support your child.
Circle of Security
If your child is under 8, this 8-week program can help you:
- develop a secure relationship with your child
- recognise, understand and meet your child’s emotional needs
- prevent and manage behavioural and emotional problems.
Bringing Up Great Kids
If you have children aged 8 to 12, this program will help you:
- think about and explain your parenting style and your child’s behaviour
- understand how to meet your child’s needs and communicate with them.
Cool Kids
This program will teach you how to help your child manage their anxiety.
- Cool Kids is for parents with children aged 8 to 12.
- Cool Little Kids is for parents of children aged 3 to 8.
Tuning into kids
If you have children aged 3 to 10, this program will help you:
- teach your child skills for good emotional intelligence
- be aware of and regulate your own emotions
- learn skills to help your child to describe and manage their emotions and problem solve.
Playgroups for parents and children
Our playgroups let you and your child play in a safe and supported environment with other children and parents.
After you talk to a child and family worker, they might recommend one of our playgroups for you and your child.
To find out more about our playgroups, call your local Child and Family Centre.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups
Koori Playgroup
This playgroup is for parents and carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from birth to 5 years of age.
Koori Boys and Koori Girls ‘Yurwang Gulwan’ groups
These groups are for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children 8 years and over to connect with culture in a culturally safe and supported environment.
The groups focus on:
- healthy mind, body and spirit
- building strong connections to culture and Country
- growing young people as future leaders
- strengthening relationships between schools, communities and families.
Biri Gunanggu Boys Group
This group is for primary school-aged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys. The group celebrates culture and connection with each other and their community.
The group is supported by male mentors and meets weekly.
Tiddas Girls Group
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in primary school meet weekly to celebrate culture and connection to each other and community. A range of fun and creative activities help build confidence and self-esteem.
Yurwang Bullarn Strong Women’s Group
This group is for mothers, aunties, grandmothers, cousins and carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. It focuses on community connectedness and gives women an opportunity to socialise and participate in activities connected to art and culture, self-care, health and wellbeing.
GET UP for parents under 25
This playgroup is for parents who are under 25 to:
- meet other young parents
- learn about creative play with your child
- get useful parenting tips.
Learn, Giggle and Grow
This playgroup is for parents and children aged birth to 5 years.
At Learn, Giggle and Grow, you and your child will:
- play in a safe and supported environment
- deepen your relationship
- build your confidence.
For Muslim families
Atfaal Family Playgroup is for Muslim families with children up to 5 years of age. The group will help you build links with the community and get parenting information and services.
The group meets from week 2 to 9 of school term.
Multicultural group
The Multicultural Playgroup is a supported playgroup for multicultural families with children from birth to 5 years. It helps families settle into their new community by providing a range of support services and assists in child development through play.