Whether you have a baby, young children or teenagers, being a parent is not always easy.

Despite its challenges, it should be fun and rewarding. The main thing to remember is that if you are finding it difficult to cope, not sleeping well, or you are worried about your child then you do not have to cope alone.

There are people who will support you and lots of places you can get advice. Your health visitor or GP will always be able to give you support. You should remember to keep their telephone numbers handy. If you are finding it difficult to cope and would like advice from social services, please contact a Gateway to Care.

Visit the Parenting Support web pages for details of local groups in Kirklees. Home start is a voluntary organisation offering to parents with at least one child under the age of five.

The following websites contain useful information on many parenting issues:

BBC Parenting - The site provides links to many organisations and associations that can help with different issues on parenting.

The National Family and Parenting Institute - offer useful information for parents who have worries about their child’s behaviour. There are also booklets and publications covering a host of parenting issues

NHS Direct run a 24-hour confidential telephone service staffed by nurses on 0845 4647. The website provides an interactive healthcare guide and information about conditions and treatments.

Antibullying network - offers information to parents, young people, and school staff about dealing with bullying at school.

Parentline Plus offers useful help and information to anyone parenting a child and helps adults to understand children’s behaviour. A freephone helpline on 0808 800 2222 is available.

Parents Centre. A range of information on parenting from choosing a school to using the internet.

Kidsactive provides links to organisations working with disabled children.

For further details on any of the information highlighted on this web page please contact your local Gateway to Care direct or complete a Gateway to Care enquiry form. Our staff will be more than happy to help!