Introduction
A parent's or carer's job is one of the most difficult there is - it will be both rewarding and challenging. The following pages offer advice and information about the challenges you may face as parents or carers.
Babysitting
As parents you have the responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of your children. As a result it is important that you think very carefully about the person you are going to leave them with, whether this is a stranger, close relative or a friend. For more information and advice about babysitting please visit this page by choosing the link from the 'More in this topic' section on this page.
Bedwetting and sleeping difficulties
It is not easy to know why some children take longer to be dry at night than others. However, bedwetting is not due to laziness or lack of willpower. In fact one in six seven year-olds wet the bed. Although this may be stressful for both you and the child, try not to lose your patience. It is rare for a child to wet or soil deliberately. For more information and advice about potty training, bedwetting and sleeping difficulties please visit this page by choosing the link from the 'More in this topic' section on this page.
Bullying
Bullying is a very frightening experience. A young person can feel isolated and have their self-confidence broken. Ongoing bullying can result in long-term negative effects on children, leading to depression and even suicidal thoughts and actions. Bullying can take many forms, from verbal abuse to physical attack. For more information and advice about bullying please visit this page by choosing the link from the 'More in this topic' section on this page.
Child protection
Very few adults harm children deliberately and most often, when harm does happen, families need support, not punishment or the removal of their children. South Gloucestershire social workers and other professionals get involved when parents may be unable to protect their child from harm and need some help. For more information and advice about child protection please visit this page by choosing the link from the 'More in this topic' section on this page.
Children left alone
If a child is not ready to be left alone it can be a sad, lonely, frightening and dangerous experience. There are many possible risks, both physical and emotional, which could affect your child in a negative way. In addition, the level of responsibility which is given to the child to look after themself and to manage somehow whatever may happen is impossible for a younger child. For more information and advice about leaving children alone please visit this page by choosing the link from the 'More in this topic' section on this page.
Internet safety
The internet is a useful tool for people wishing to exploit children. Recent high profile cases in the news have revealed that internet chat rooms can be used by paedophiles to establish deceptive relationships with children. They then 'groom' children to become victims, either psychologically on the internet itself, or by arranging to actually meet them. Often victims believe that they are chatting to other children on-line. For more information and advice about internet safety please visit this page by choosing the link from the 'More in this topic' section on this page.
Health and safety
Babies and young children learn about their world by exploring it. This means that as soon as they are able to they will crawl, touch and grab at whatever is in their line of vision. They are curious by nature and need careful and gentle guidance from a young age about what danger is and what to stay away from. Shouting at or smacking children will not teach them about safety. For more information and advice about health and safety in the home please visit this page by choosing the link from the 'More in this topic' section on this page.
Positive parenting
Positive parenting is about bringing out the best in your child, by listening and understanding, praising and encouraging their efforts, noticing and rewarding good behaviour and doing things together that you both enjoy. This starts at the beginning of your relationship with your child. For more information and advice about positive parenting please visit the link from the 'More in this topic' section on this page.
Smacking
It is important that children learn how to behave and control their own behaviour as they get older. Parents have a very important job as role models for their children in helping them learn how to do this. Teaching children from a young age by setting limits and explaining reasons for these limits helps to instil self-discipline. Smacking, which controls your child from the outside, has no long lasting positive effect. For more information and advice about smacking please visit this page by choosing the link from the 'More in this topic' section on this page.
Temper tantrums
Tantrums may start around 18 months, are common around two years-old and become much less common at four. Very young children are often not able to express themselves as much as they want and their frustrations come out as a tantrum. Tantrums are especially likely to happen if a child is hungry, tired or uncomfortable. Tantrums also happen in busy, public places which can be highly embarrassing and add to the parents' stress. For more information and advice about temper tantrums click on the link from the 'More in this topic' section on this page.
Children with disabilities
If your child has a disability the future may seem like a daunting struggle, not just for them, but for you too. The word 'disabled' covers a very wide range of different conditions and it is estimated that some 15% of people in the UK experience some form of disability at some time in their lives. Remember you and your child are not alone. For more information and advice about children with disabilities visit this page by choosing the link from the 'More in this topic' section on this page.