Premier

Answering Victoria’s Top Parenting Questions Online

23 August 2018

Victorian mums and dads with questions about parenting, child health or development now have a trusted, new website to turn to, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Like Victoria’s respected Better Health website, the new parenting.vic.gov.auExternal Link site is an evidence-based resource provided for free for online users, and provides information on all aspects of raising a child.

A recent survey showed a large majority of Victorian parents often sought and found parenting advice online, but it was often conflicting and contradictory.

The parenting.vic.gov.au site focuses on the first five years of a child’s life, which are fundamental to their future learning and development. The site acknowledges that parents and carers play an essential role in these formative years as a child’s first educator and aims to provide evidence-based information, advice and support.

It also serves as a crucial launchpad, setting parents and carers up with links to services and supports that are available to children at each stage of development.

Just like the free MCH App, launched in March, the new website gives mums, dads and carers access to reliable advice at a time that suits them at just a touch of a button. The website – which was developed with early childhood experts and medical professionals – will grow and develop over time to suit the needs of families.

The top 5 questions that have been asked by families via the MCH App so far have been based on:

  • Newborn baby crying a lot
  • Child has a high temperature
  • Trouble breastfeeding
  • Child has eczema
  • Getting kids to eat vegetables

It is the first ever Victorian Government website to provide information about parenting and child health issues, and link families to early years services.

All Victorian families can also access the free 24-hour MCH Line on 13 22 29, which is available for those with children aged from birth to school age. It is staffed by qualified MCH nurses and averages around 300 calls a day.

Families are benefiting through the Labor Government’s landmark $202.1 million Education State Early Childhood Reform Plan to ensure kids are ready for kinder, ready for school and ready for life.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos

“Raising a child undoubtedly means navigating some choppy waters – it’s just part of the job. But sometimes everyone needs support.”

“While the internet is full of advice it can be hard to know what to believe and this website gives parents information and advice they can trust.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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