Babies: family life

Positive relationships for parents and children: how to build them Positive relationships between parents and children are key to child development. These relationships are about being in the moment, quality time and trust. Strong families: what they are, how they work Strong families have love, security, communication, belonging – and routines to keep the family working well. Find out how to make your family strong. VIDEO: Special moments with children In this video, hear parents describe how special moments together help children feel safe, secure and loved. This is important for children’s development. VIDEO: Dads and kids: how to enjoy time together In this video, dads explain how they make the most of time with their children. For example, they use bath time, playtime and story time for bonding. Breastfeeding and travelling? Ask the airline about taking breastmilk on the plane. And ask your doctor about travel medicines, vaccinations and illnesses. Travelling with kids by plane, bus or train Travelling with kids can involve long plane, bus or train journeys. Make careful travel bookings, pack the things kids need, and explain what they can expect. Holidays with kids are a great way for your family to enjoy time together. Here’s how to plan holidays so you can all make the most of your time off. Children’s sleep and family holidays or travel Family holidays can affect when and how much children sleep. A balance of flexibility and routine can help kids handle jet lag and get the sleep they need. Routines for families: how and why they work Daily routines are how families organise themselves, spend time together and have fun. Routines help children feel safe. They also reduce parent stress. How to make a routine for your family You might need a new daily routine when things aren’t running smoothly in your family. You can get started by looking at everyday needs and long-term goals. Family traditions and rituals: why they’re important Family rituals are special things you do regularly as a family. They strengthen family bonds, and they can help children feel secure in uncertain times. Healthy screen time and digital technology use: checklist Screen time can be part of a healthy lifestyle for your children. Just balance screen time with other activities and encourage kids to use quality content. Posts, photos, comments and blogs about children Posts, photos and blogs about children can be a nice way to share special moments. But ask your child if it’s OK first and consider their digital footprint. Screen time, digital technology use and your family: a healthy approach A healthy family approach to screen time balances individual needs and family relationships. It involves role-modelling and quality content. Get more tips. Parents, screen time and digital technology use: role-modelling for children Your children are influenced by your digital technology use. You can be a role model for a healthy and positive approach to screen time and social media. A good family GP understands the importance of getting to know you and your children. Location, opening hours, fees and availability are important too. Telehealth: children and teenagers Telehealth is when you have health appointments by phone or video. Telehealth has many benefits for families. It’s secure and protects privacy. Telehealth appointments for children and teenagers: in pictures Our guide shows you how to get the most out of telehealth appointments: set up somewhere quiet, check technology, prepare children and have information handy. Family violence and abuse: recognising the signs and getting help for someone Family violence and abuse takes many forms, and it’s never OK. If you think someone is experiencing abuse, there are signs to look for and ways to get help. How to get help if you’re experiencing family violence and abuse Family or domestic violence and abuse is never OK. It’s harmful to you and your children. There are many ways to get help, protect yourselves, and recover. Child abuse: how to avoid hurting your child and get help for yourself If you have hurt your child or are worried that you will, getting help is the best thing for your child and yourself. All children have the right to be safe. Racism: what it looks like and how it affects children and teenagers Racism is harmful to children’s health, spirit, wellbeing and development. Anti-racist attitudes and environments help all children develop well and thrive. Children develop attitudes about race from an early age. Talk early and often about racism to help them develop respect, healthy relationships and empathy. Raising kids with anti-racist attitudes Anti-racist attitudes can help to prevent racism. Help your child learn these attitudes with positive role-modelling and by embracing diversity in your family. What to do if your child experiences racism Racism harms children. If your child experiences racism, they need your support and might need professional help. You can also report racist incidents. Racism helplines, support services and resources for families If your family or child is experiencing racism in Australia, you need support. This guide lists services across Australia that can help you deal with racism.