Positive parenting is an approach to raising kids that aims to promote development and manage behaviour and emotions in a positive, non-hurtful way. Positive parenting creates a lifelong warm, respectful, loving relationship between parents and their children. All parents can benefit from parenting education and support.
There are many resources and programs in Hastings Prince Edward to support families on their road to positive parenting. If you have questions about parenting support in the community, you can contact our Child Health CARELine by calling 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 223. You can also email the CARELine at CARELine@hpeph.ca.
Other local resources are listed below.
- Triple P Parenting Classes – Offered locally through the Children’s Mental Health Association of Hastings and Prince Edward. These classes are for parents of children and teens.
- EarlyON Centres – These centres provide support and services to families with children:
Involved Fathers
Learning to be a father can take time and practise. You will develop your own special way of caring for your child. As an involved dad, you have a powerful influence on your child’s growth and development. Dads are invited to contact our Child Health CARELine at 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 223 to speak with a Public Health Nurse. You can also email the CARELine at CARELine@hpeph.ca.. Additional resources and information are listed below.
- 24Hr Cribside Assistance Manual – a site for dads, by dads
- Dad Central Ontario – a website promoting the importance of father involvement
- Daddy and Me on the Move – activities for dads and young children
Nurse-Family Partnership
The NFP is a free home visiting program for young people who are pregnant and parenting for the first time. Your nurse can help you throughout your pregnancy and your child’s first two years of life.
The Nurse-Family Partnership is open to individuals who are:
- 24 years old or younger
- Preparing to parent for the first time
- Early on in their pregnancy (before 27 weeks gestation)
- Experiencing financial hardships or limited resources
*if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria above, consider our Healthy Babies Healthy Children program below.
There is no cost to you for the program and your participation is voluntary. For more information about the Nurse-Family Partnership program, call 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 269 or complete our online referral.
Healthy Babies Healthy Children
Having a baby can be both an exciting and challenging time. You may have a lot of questions, and need help preparing for and adjusting to life with a new baby. The Healthy Babies Healthy Children program provides home visits from Public Health Nurses and home visitors to expectant mothers and new parents who need extra support. Home visits help you learn about:
- having a healthy pregnancy and birth
- connecting with your baby
- how children grow and develop, and what you can do to help
- being a parent
- breastfeeding, food and healthy nutrition
- taking care of yourself and your family
- other services available to you and your child in your community (health services, parenting programs, family literacy programs and financial aid)
There is no cost to you for the program and it is your choice if you want to participate. Fill out our referral form and a public health nurse will determine your eligibility for our home visiting program.
