Parenting
The Health Unit offers supports for parents through the programs listed below.
For more information on parenting supports in your community, call 1-800-660-5853.
Parenting Tips
Follow us on social media @positiveparentinglg for parenting tips and upcoming parenting sessions. For more information, call 1-800-660-5853 (local number) or email [email protected]. Parenting matters!
Triple P
Triple P is a parenting program, but it doesn’t tell you how to be a parent. It’s more like a toolbox of ideas. You choose the strategies you need. You choose the way you want to use them. It’s all about making Triple P work for you.
Because all families are different, Triple P has a range of available parenting sessions. Choose from individual or group sessions that are offered in-person, virtually or work at your own pace on-line. Visit the Triple P Parenting website for more information and to find parenting sessions that work for you. For the Triple P Online program and local individual parenting support at no-cost, call 1-800-660-5853 (local number) or email [email protected].
Getting Ready for Parenting
A Healthy Start for Baby and Me gets you thinking through the idea of parenting before you even become pregnant. If you are already expecting a baby, it will help you prepare for your journey into parenthood.
Healthy Babies, Healthy Children
The Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program is a no cost, voluntary home visiting program for families in Ontario with children up to age 6 years. For more information visit our Healthy Babies Health Children section of the website.
Parenting Supports
Canada Learning Bond
The Government of Canada can help you save in a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). The Canada Learning Bond is $500 to help you start to save now for your child’s education. Your child could get $100 every year until he or she turns 15 years of age to a maximum of $2000. This money can be used for full-time or part-time studies in: apprenticeship programs; CEGEPs; colleges; trade schools; or universities. Your child is eligible to receive the Canada Learning Bond if: he or she was born after December 31, 2003; and you receive the National Child Benefit Supplement under the Canada Child Tax Benefit.
To register for the Canada Learning Bond, you can visit this website.
You can also call 1-800-622-6232 for more information.
Emotional Health
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is depression that happens during pregnancy or within the first year after having a baby. The most common risk factors are:
- Depression or anxiety during pregnancy
- Family history of a mood disorder
- Past history of depression or other mood disorder
- Stressful life event
- Lack of support
Some signs and symptoms may include:
- Being sad or tearful
- Feeling exhausted but unable to sleep
- Changes in eating or sleeping pattern
- Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, frustrated, anxious, restless, irritable or angry
It is important that woman seek help if they are having symptoms. Talk to your health care provider or a public health nurse about your feelings. Many women find counselling or joining a support group helpful. Other people may need to consider medication.
Some things you can do to take care of yourself include:
- Rest
- Eat well
- Be physically active
- Accept help from others
For resources and support in your community visit the Parenting Supports in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark referral map. If you would like to speak with a Public Health Nurse please call 1-800-660-5853, extension 2467.