Parenting in Peterborough
Updated April 18, 2024
Parenting can be tough and also so rewarding. On top of that, there are lots of different opinions and tips about raising a child, especially in a digital world. It can feel overwhelming to know what to focus on.
We are here to help. We’ve created a place with reliable, evidence-based information to support you, no matter what stage of parenting you are in.
There are lots of ways to parent. The most important thing to remember is that a child has a safe, stable and nurturing relationship with at least one parent or caregiver. This consistent bond plays a crucial role in a child’s development and well-being. It’s also essential that the child has a safe, stable and nurturing environment.
You’re not alone on your parenting journey, we are here to help you at every stay of the way!
What do parents need? Have your say in the Parenting in Peterborough Survey to shape future community supports!
A baby’s early months and years are an exciting time! Parents and caregivers may be looking for information and support. For support over the first year, check out our Baby’s First Year webpage. You may also want to sign up for our Learn & Grow parenting emails. They offer regular information and support until your baby is 18-months old. Peterborough Public Health offers a variety of
Bottom line - there are lots of programs and services available in our community to support you. Check out our What’s Available for Families webpage for details.
Are you breastfeeding? It can take time to learn, and you may have questions. For information and to learn more, check out our Breastfeeding webpage. If you’re looking for where to get support with breastfeeding, please see our Breastfeeding Help webpage.
To learn more about your child’s development, check out our Child Development webpage. The things that happen to a child can impact their brain as they grow up. To learn more about how this happens, check out the Brain Story. When your child is 18 months old, it’s time for their Enhanced 18-Month Well-Baby Visit with their health care provider. This is an opportunity to talk about their social, emotional and physical development and milestones, connect with services and supports as needed, and to get their 18-month immunization. To learn more, check out the Enhanced 18-month Well-Baby Visit webpage from the Government of Ontario.
If you’re looking for support with child development, check out SmartStart Hub. Parents can self-refer for support and services. For information and tips on speech and language development, check out Kid Talk.
Have you ever wondered about finding accurate health information? About Kids Health (SickKids) and Caring For Kids (Canadian Paediatric Society) both provide evidence-based information on infant and child health, including specific illnesses and guidelines. To learn more about supports available for your and/or your child’s mental health, check out our Supports for Mental Health webpage.
Have you been wondering about your child’s sleep? The Canadian Paediatric Society has this information on sleep in the early years.
For information on discipline, check out the Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP) webpage. Here is a free e-book download on Positive Discipline, which is available in 7 languages.
If you’re looking for ideas to get your child moving, check out Active For Life. For ideas on integrating play to promote movement, learning, getting along with others, and language, check out Play & Learn. To learn more about the connection between technology, physical activity and relationships, visit our Disconnect to Reconnect webpage.
Do you have a child starting Kindergarten soon? Check out the Let’s Go to Kindergarten resource for information and tips to support you and your child in the transition to school. For more information on supporting children in school, check out our Families & Parents webpage.
Have you ever wondered about finding accurate health information? About Kids Health (SickKids) and Caring For Kids (Canadian Paediatric Society) both provides evidence-based information on children’s health, including specific illnesses and guidelines. For information on respiratory illnesses in schools, please visit our Respiratory Illness Information Webpage. To learn more about supports available for your and/or your child’s mental health, check out our Supports for Mental Health webpage.
Has wondering about sleep at this stage kept you up at night? Visit Fraser Health’s Healthy Sleep in Children webpage, which provides information on sleep for school-aged kids.
For information on discipline, check out the Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP) webpage. Here is a free e-book download on Positive Discipline, which is available in 7 languages.
To learn more about the connection between screen time, physical activity and relationships, visit our Disconnect to Reconnect webpage.
Navigating the pre-teen and teenage years can be a challenging and rewarding time. Check out The Teen Years webpage from SickKids for information to support you and your family. For communication tips, see their Talking to Your Teen webpage. If you want to learn more about the teen brain, please see the Understanding the Teen Brain webpage.
Have you ever wondered about finding accurate health information? About Kids Health (SickKids) and Caring For Kids (Canadian Paediatric Society) both provides evidence-based information on pre-teen and teen health, including specific illnesses and guidelines. To learn more about supports available for your and your youth’s mental health, check out our Supports for Mental Health webpage.
Have you been wondering about your pre-teen or teenager’s sleep? Check out Teen’s Sleep Information from the Canadian Paediatric Society for tips.
If you’re thinking about leaving your pre-teen or teenager at home alone for the first time, check out At Home Alone webpage from Toronto Public Health. It provides information and resources to support your family in this transition.
For information on discipline, check out the Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP) webpage. Here is a free e-book download on Positive Discipline, which is available in 7 languages.
To learn more about the connection between screen time, physical activity and relationships, visit our Disconnect to Reconnect webpage.