If you’re pregnant and barely know one end of a baby from the other, your local Parents Centre is the place for you. A Parents Centre is perfect for any parent who wants the knowledge and skills to do a good job of raising their kids.
Contrary to what some might tell you, knowing how to be a great parent doesn’t simply come naturally when your baby arrives, and children don’t come with an user’s instruction manual. But Parents Centres are the next best thing. Their fantastic parent education and support starts with your antenatal (pregnancy education) and is there for you right up to your child’s first day at school.
At Parents Centres you can meet up with other parents to learn about things like infant massage and breastfeeding. You can join coffee groups to talk about topics such as toilet training and the sometimes odd behaviour of toddlers. There are also great playgroups, fathers? groups, and telephone support in some centres.
There are 50 Parents Centres spread across the North and the South Island, so you should be able to find a Parents Centre not too far from your place.
Here we give you a brief rundown of what a Parents Centre can do for you and your children.
The Centres? Parent Education programmes are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge parents need to confidently take good care of children through various ages and stages.
The 50 Centres support all parents in the community at times of need, such as sudden infant death syndrome; parents in prison; teenage parents; sudden antenatal death; miscarriage support; breastfeeding; child development; special needs.
To find out more about Parents Centres and the value of membership, visit Parents Centres New Zealand
Find a Parents Centre near you.