Parenting
One of the world’s most important, and complex, jobs.
There’s no doubt that parenting comes with a unique set of challenges. You want to do the right thing as a parent, but there’s no one manual to consult, no one rule book to follow. We’re here to guide you to trusted resources to help you navigate the journey of parenting and promote the well-being of your child.
On this page
Parenting Support
Social Connections and Learning
Neighbourhood and Community Resources
For Senior Guardians
Family Health and Safety
Training
Car Safety
Health and Wellness
Crisis Services
Government and Regulatory
More Parenting Resources from Familyinfo.ca
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Social Connections and Learning
While being a parent is extremely rewarding, it is also very difficult. No parent is perfect, and it’s important to remind yourself and/or your partner that you’re not alone in your parenting journey. Connecting with other parents and attending parenting workshops will remind you of the support that you have right in your own community. Here are some supports to discover:
Parenting Groups bring together parents who wish to share common problems, concerns, or ideas about parenting and child-rearing.
Parenting Education programs provide classes, individual consultation, or other educational opportunities for parents or potential parents who want to gain the knowledge and skills to be effective in their parenting role. You can also find lots of Parenting Education sessions through the Family Centre and EarlyON Program calendar.
Recreation Programs and Facilities Support your mental and physical health by participating in recreational activities and connecting with others.
Family Centres and EarlyON Programs offer opportunities for parents to connect and ask questions in a safe environment. Community Connectors are available at all Family Centre locations to support you in seeking information and connect you with the community.
London and Middlesex County Family Event Calendar is a place where you can find other parenting events in the community, offered through organizations such as the London Public Library, Middlesex County Library, and more.
Neighbourhood and Community Resources
“It takes a village to raise a child” is an African proverb that means an entire community of people must interact with children for those children to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment. Connecting with your community as a parent can also help to prevent feelings of isolation and allow you to get access to support when it’s needed. Here are some resources you can find in your community:
Community Resource Centres provide community access to a wide variety of health and social services to people of all ages.
Family Centres and EarlyON Programs Through Family Centres and their on-site Community Connectors families can access information, a range of free or low-cost activities, events, and programs, and also get connected to local resources and services that can help make their lives easier.
NeighbourGood London developed by the City of London is a tool to help you connect with people in your neighbourhood, through Neighbourhood Associations, Block Parties, Movie Nights, and much more.
Family Centres and EarlyON Programs Through Family Centres and their on-site Community Connectors families can access information, a range of free or low-cost activities, events, and programs, and also get connected to local resources and services that can help make their lives easier.
NeighbourGood London developed by the City of London is a tool to help you connect with people in your neighbourhood, through Neighbourhood Associations, Block Parties, Movie Nights, and much more.
Family Health and Safety
As a parent (or guardian), keeping your family healthy and safe will be your number one priority. Here are the services and resources in your community to help.
Training
Child Safety programs aim to prevent injury through education about traffic safety, bike safety, fire safety, rail and personal safety, stranger danger, and electrical and other household hazards.
First Aid and Safety Courses provide instruction in basic lifesaving techniques such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), child safety, and water safety.
I’m Home Program [external link] - The I’m Home Program is designed to help children aged 10 to 12, to be safe, when alone at home, before and after school. The program is hosted by London Children’s Connection in partnership with the London Public Library and is conveniently offered at various neighbourhood libraries.
Internet Safety Workshops [external link] - A flexible workshop from London Children’s Connection designed to support parents in safely preparing their children to use the Internet. Parents learn how to use safety features for devices and current trends in children’s online use. Meet other parents, be aware of current resources and share ideas on effective communication with your children.
Car safety
Child Car Seat Safety – Government of Canada [external link] Learn about the 4 stages of child safety in cars, how to properly install a car seat or booster seat, and recalls and safety alerts.
Health and Wellness
Visit our Health and Wellness page to learn about resources for physical and mental health, dental health, nutrition and physical activity, and drugs and alcohol.
Crisis Services
Our Crisis Services page provides information on places to find emergency housing, food, and other basic needs, as well as mental health, legal, crisis pregnancy, domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse support.
Government Services - Information Federal, provincial, municipal, and Indigenous service centres administer government functions and oversee the delivery of public services.
Personal Identification, Certification and Licences Births, deaths, and marriages are registered for public record. Certificates for these events can be replaced by contacting the Office of the Registrar General of Ontario (see in link above). Application for a driver's licence, social security card, Ontario Health Card, and other personal documents are handled through different ministries and departments.
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services [external link] Focuses on improving outcomes for children, youth, families, and individuals who need support, advancing the interests of women across Ontario, and helping new immigrants settle and integrate.
Personal Identification, Certification and Licences Births, deaths, and marriages are registered for public record. Certificates for these events can be replaced by contacting the Office of the Registrar General of Ontario (see in link above). Application for a driver's licence, social security card, Ontario Health Card, and other personal documents are handled through different ministries and departments.
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services [external link] Focuses on improving outcomes for children, youth, families, and individuals who need support, advancing the interests of women across Ontario, and helping new immigrants settle and integrate.
More Parenting Resources from Familyinfo.ca
Explore our topic pages to find more resources and supports to help you parent in London and Middlesex County.
Child Care
Pregnancy to Pre-School
School Age (4-12)
Youth (12-17)
Health and Wellness
Recreation Programs and Facilities
Specialized Services
Crisis Services
You can also visit our Family Centre and EarlyON Program calendar and filter by support groups to find parenting support sessions in London and Middlesex County.
Community Connectors are fundamental to helping London families get connected to services and supports. In every Family Centre, families are greeted by a knowledgeable, friendly Community Connector who helps them connect seamlessly to more opportunities that help them be successful in all aspects of their lives.
Contact or visit a Family Centre to speak with a Community Connector.
In Middlesex County, Middlesex County Library Branches act as hubs for accessing information on family-centered supports and services. Library staff are knowledgeable and trusted Community Connectors equipped to help provide families with information on whom and how to connect to service agencies as well as providing access to key resources relevant to the service or support.
Visit Middlesex Family Connections for more information on how to connect with a Community Connector in Middlesex County.
MLHU Telephone Support for Families
Available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm, call 519-663-5317 to speak with a Public Health Nurse from the Middlesex-London Health Unit about questions or concerns about parenting, or caring for your infant or child.
Telehealth Ontario
Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential service you can call to get health advice or information. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In a medical emergency, call 911.
Toll-free: 1-866-797-0000
Toll-free TTY: 1-866-797-0007
In Middlesex County, Middlesex County Library Branches act as hubs for accessing information on family-centered supports and services. Library staff are knowledgeable and trusted Community Connectors equipped to help provide families with information on whom and how to connect to service agencies as well as providing access to key resources relevant to the service or support.
Visit Middlesex Family Connections for more information on how to connect with a Community Connector in Middlesex County.
MLHU Telephone Support for Families
Available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm, call 519-663-5317 to speak with a Public Health Nurse from the Middlesex-London Health Unit about questions or concerns about parenting, or caring for your infant or child.
Telehealth Ontario
Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential service you can call to get health advice or information. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In a medical emergency, call 911.
Toll-free: 1-866-797-0000
Toll-free TTY: 1-866-797-0007