Relationships

Being a Parent

When you become a parent, your whole life changes. You have someone else to love and look after. Being a parent can be a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it can also be exhausting, stressful and a bit of a mystery - babies don't come with instructions!

If you are under 20 and pregnant, or are a teenage parent, you can get support from the Connexions Personal Adviser for Teenage Pregnancy - Sam Cobb . She can offer support, advice & information either on a one-to-one basis or through group work, on the following:

• Education, training & employment
• Accessing childcare & help with childcare costs
• Housing & benefits
• Cconfidence, self esteem & anger management issues
• Accessing young parents groups

If you'd like this extra support, please ask your midwife or health visitor to refer you, or contact Sam directly at the Connexions Centre on 023 8022 8557 or 07977 551089.

For under 16's who are pregnant but still at school, you can get support from the Teenage Pregnancy Inclusion Support Worker. Her telephone number is 07824 451661.

There is also a Young People's Maternity Practice in Southampton who are midwives who work specifically with under 18's. They can be contacted on 023 8079 6187 or 07771 772140.

Parentline Plus has information and advice for any aged parents on all aspects of parenting.

Southampton Children's Information Service (CIS). This service provides free impartial information & advice about childcare, activities & family services in the Southampton area. You can search online or call free on 0800 169 8833.

For information on studying whilst being a parent please visit the Childcare page in the Money section of this website, or the Care to Learn link opposite.

JustParents gives parenting and pregnancy advice for mums and dads. With baby names, gender predictor, forums and parents blogs.

Page updated: Friday, May 16, 2008 10:37 AM