Parenting

Being a parent is hard work and although it can be fulfilling, you may sometimes wonder if you are on the right track. Our Public health Nurses and Family Resource Workers are available to answer any questions you may have about parenting your child. Our Healthy Babies Healthy Children program supports families with children from birth up to 6 years old. 

Services we offer for families with a young child:

Healthy Babies, Healthy Children (0 to 6 years)

To help children get a healthy start in life, our nurses offer screening and assessments to ensure your child is as healthy as possible. Our nurses can also provide breast feeding support and referrals to other local children’s service providers, such as nutrition and health services, parenting programs, and family literacy programs. 

Blended Home Visiting Program

Home visiting program for pregnant people and parents of children up to six years of age. Staff help families by providing prenatal education, healthy relationships and bonding, dealing with parenting challenges and accessing resources and much more. 

Well Baby Clinics 

A Public Health Nurse offers the following:

• Weighing and measuring of babies and toddlers
  
• Provide breastfeeding support and information
  
• Provide nutrition information
  
• Provide child development information
  
• Provide immunization
  
• Screen for postpartum mood changes
  
• Provide referrals as required

The Parent-Child Mother Goose Program 

A group experience is for parents and their babies and young children. The program introduces adults and children to the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs, and stories together. Call 1-866-747-4305 (held in New Liskeard and Kirkland Lake).

Car Seat Inspections

Trained child restraint system technicians ensure your child’s car seat is properly installed and the right fit for your child. Parents, grandparents and caregivers are all welcome to book an appointment! 

Dental Services

Prevent cavities and oral health problems before they start. Children and youth 17 and under in need of dental care can get access to free dental services through the Healthy Smiles Ontario program. To find out if you are eligible, click here or contact us. 

To sign up, or learn more, contact us to speak to a Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) nurse. All services are free and by appointment. 

Resources 

• Building Resilience in Young Children: Booklet for parents of children from birth to six years 
  
• Learning to Play and Playing to Learn: what Families Can Do
  
• NutriSTEP: Building healthy habits and patterns at a young age sets children on the path to healthy living for life. Healthy eating is important for your child’s growth and development and helps with readiness for school. The NutriSTEP(R) screening tool can help identify what is going well and what to work on to improve your child’s eating and activity habits. It only takes about 5 minutes to complete!

See also: 

• After Pregnancy
  
• Sleep
   

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