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Ngala Parenting Line 0–18 years
Metro 08 9368 9368
Regional 1800 111 546
Becoming a parent is an exciting time in anyone's life and a time which may also present some challenges. Ngala provides support for parents and carers to help them through this rewarding and fulfilling journey.
Exciting times are ahead! Birth comes after lots of anticipation and preparation. It is normal…
For expectant dads this is a time of great excitement and change. You are…
Pregnancy brings with it many emotions. Even if you planned pregnancy for a long…
Getting enough sleep during pregnancy will help you adjust to your changing body. Making sure you rest when needed will help you grow a healthy baby.
Sleep during pregnancy is essential for you to function well. You will find you…
Nutrition plays a very important role in pregnancy. Eating well throughout your pregnancy will assist in maintaining a healthy weight and delivering a happy, healthy baby.
Your diet can make a huge difference to how well you cope with the…
You may find during pregnancy that you need to change your eating and drinking…
As your body changes with pregnancy, so do your relationships. Keeping communication flowing will help you enjoy this exciting and challenging time.
As a mother you may also wear many other ‘hats’: partner, wife, daughter, sister,…
Pregnancy and the arrival of a new baby can stir up many different feelings…
As your pregnancy progresses your baby grows and develops at an exciting rate. Each trimester brings new challenges and experiences as your baby gets ready for birth.
From the moment of conception your baby is developing rapidly. By 12 weeks, all…
From the moment of conception your body is embarking on an incredible building project…
Parenting advice is everywhere. A lot of this advice is from either the toy…
Staying fit and healthy throughout pregnancy will help you maintain your energy once your baby is born. Being healthy and strong also helps you manage interrupted sleep and fatigue, especially in the third trimester.
Being physically active during pregnancy benefits both you and your baby. Staying active throughout…
Physical activity of moderate intensity is recommended on most days throughout pregnancy, for at…
Exercising during pregnancy is a great way to maintain good health, boost your mindset…
Walking is a fantastic, free way to maintain your health. Thirty minutes of brisk…
Avoiding alcohol and other hazardous materials throughout your pregnancy will help you grow and deliver a healthy baby. Being aware of what foods and behaviours to avoid will help your pregnancy be more successful.
During pregnancy it is important to be aware that all the substances you put…
As a parent, you work hard to protect your baby. Vaccines are a valuable…
Parenting a newborn baby is wonderful but can sometimes be overwhelming. Lack of sleep, learning to feed and care for your baby and helping siblings adjust can be challenging. Ngala is here to support you.
Becoming a parent is an amazing experience in so many ways. It is an…
When you become a parent it is easy to focus all your energy on…
Your sleep will be interrupted for the first few months after your baby arrives,…
Staying physically active after your baby arrives will benefit both you and your whole family.…
Many parents say that being a parent is the toughest job they have ever…
Dads and father figures play a unique and important role in children’s development. As…
Sleep for parents and babies - and comforting your baby - is one of the most common concerns for new parents. Helping your baby feel secure, comfortable and relaxed is one of the important roles for parents in the first days.
Sleep is necessary for all of us. It helps our brains and bodies to…
Being able to settle off to sleep is a learned skill for most babies.…
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in the same room as…
Your newborn baby may be tired after just one hour of being awake. Generally,…
At birth a full term baby’s brain weighs about 400 grams and has around…
At birth, a full term baby’s brain weighs about 400 grams and has around…
Feeding your newborn baby can take time. Enjoy the bonding time that feeding brings. Both mother and baby are both learning new skills. Sometimes a few ideas and some knowledge about feeding can be beneficial and help you to gain confidence.
Try not to wait until your baby is crying for a feed. There are…
Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby’s growth, development and immunity. Breastfeeding…
Many new mothers experience breastfeeding challenges. There are steps you can take to overcome them. Common…
There are many reasons why mothers may want to express their breast milk. Common…
Infant formula is the safe alternative to breast milk for the first 12 months. …
Newborn babies need lots of attention, cuddles and love, which means the amount of time you spend as a couple can be dramatically reduced. Finding some time to connect with the important adults in your life will make you develop a team approach to parenting.
The arrival of children can be a big challenge, impacting relationships as it introduces…
Parenting can put a lot of pressure on your relationship, including your sex life.…
Grandparenting is different for every family and it is important to have conversations with…
It is important for couples to openly discuss their roles within the home and…
Being emotionally present with your baby is how connections are created. Tips to connect…
Many things have changed since you were a parent of young children. With years…
Newborn babies grow and develop very quickly. Tiny babies are little sponges, absorbing the world around them. Before long they will be tracking you with their eyes, and learning how to smile.
Babies learn and develop when they are actively involved and having fun with you…
The brain experiences the outside world through the senses. Seeing, hearing, smelling and feeling…
The brain is already processing sounds, voices and language rhythm in the womb. Babies…
Play is vital for developing your baby’s brain. Babies learn about themselves, the world…
Babies and young children learn about the world through their senses. Our senses allow…
For a newborn, play mostly consists of plenty of eye contact with their primary carers. As they grow they learn to track movement and identify shapes and colours.
Your baby's favourite thing to play with is you! Through play your baby’s brain and…
Babies spend the majority of their days lying on their backs, which is why…
Keeping your newborn safe is a priority for all new parents. Being aware of safety regulations and practices makes looking after your newborn baby much easier.
In any weather, at any time of the year, it’s important to remember the…
A good way to make an informed decision about which childcare service is going…
When you have children, there are many things to consider. One of these is making…
Parenting a baby takes time and commitment and is a wonderful and rewarding experience. Ngala is here to help support you throughout this exciting journey.
New parents dedicate their time and energy to the baby who relies on them…
As the weeks pass, your baby will start to develop regular sleep and awake times. Establishing predictable patterns can help babies to develop good sleep habits. Ngala is here to work with you to understand and learn to manage your child's sleep.
Sleep is important for healthy brain development, a healthy immune system and it improves…
Understanding your baby’s sleep needs, patterns and reasons for being unsettled will help you…
Feeding your baby will continue to provide you with lots of opportunity for getting to know your baby. They will become more alert and interested in their environment, so may get a little distracted when feeding. During this period you will also be introducing solid food.
There are many things you can do to support breastfeeding as your baby grows…
Sometimes breastfeeding can be challenging. These challenges can change as your baby grows and…
Starting solids is an exciting time for parents but can be a bit daunting.…
Preparation and cooking Wash your hands with soap thoroughly under running water. Ensure the…
Cow’s milk Cow's milk should not be used as the main drink for infants…
Settling into your new role as parents takes time. As you adjust to the new pressures and time constraints parenthood places on you, it's important to remain connected with your partner and others around you who can support you. Perhaps a listening ear, a cup of coffee or some practical help that will allow you to rest and spend more time with your growing family.
While you are adjusting to being parents (particularly for the first time), you may…
There are growing numbers of families where one parent works away regularly. Though usually working…
The quality of a baby's emotional relationships directly influences brain growth and development. Babies…
From three months to one year there will be lots of changes. Your baby will be on the move and learning new ways of communicating and exploring the world. Enjoy this exciting time.
By six to 12 months of age, you will have noticed that your baby…
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the introduction of solids for your baby between five…
All babies are born with the desire to communicate. By three months of age…
Your baby loves playing with you. Play in the first 6-12 months can include tummy time, reading, tactile and sensory toys and lots of eye contact.
Playing with your baby helps them learn. And guess what? Their favourite thing to…
Screens are all around us. From phones to the TV, tablets to computers, modern…
Sharing books together is the single most important thing that you can do to…
Your baby loves to play and spend time with you. The best thing about…
Providing a safe environment for your child helps them grow and explore with confidence. There may be things to consider with the changing weather, from equipment and cars to furniture around your home.
Parenting a toddler can be chaotic and exhausting as your little person discovers their feet and learns how to run! This exciting and dynamic time provides excellent learning opportunities as your toddler begins to explore and understand the world around them.
Pregnancy and the birth of a new baby can stir up many different feelings…
The toddler years present new challenges as you start the journey of moving your toddler from their cot into a bed. Sleep routines and settling may need some adjustment and different approaches. The Ngala Parenting Line can give you support.
Sleep is essential for a healthy child. A well-rested child is an active and…
Making the decision to move your child into a bed depends on your family’s…
Toddlers start to demonstrate preferences and can be a bit more fussy with their food. Introducing a variety of healthy food choices from a young age will help them to establish life-long healthy eating habits.
Introducing your child to healthy food is a journey of learning together. It is not just…
For toddlers, nutritional intake and amount is measured over weeks rather than days, quite different to…
Children, like adults, are attracted to certain textures, flavours and presentation. Appetite is a…
There are many wonderful developmental milestones during the toddler years and you will be…
Toddlers love family time and doing things with their parents. They also are more interested in other children. Being involved with your adult relationships is also an important investment in the teamwork. Both parents and other carers offer different but equally important learning opportunities and help them feel confident in their expanding world.
Toddlers love playing and exploring the world, learning how it works and where they…
The toddler years are often misunderstood. It is easy to mistake the tantrums and the “no”’ as unwelcome behaviour. Your toddler is learning to manage big emotions and fitting in with others. Your child sometimes has difficulty communicating their feelings, making choices and coping with disappointments. You may need some ideas to guide them through this stage of development.
As your toddler is learning life skills, they need to explore and interact with their…
Did you know that learning to use the toilet is a developmental and self-care…
It can be challenging for parents to support their toddlers as they struggle to manage their…
Did you know your child is born with 100 billion brain cells - the most they…
Toddlers are creatures of habit. They do best in places that are familiar, on…
Your toddler learns through play. Play takes many forms and can be incorporated into all aspects of their lives. It is the main way your child learns about their environment, surroundings and the skills they will need later in life. Playing with your child develops their potential for learning and relationships.
Play really is a child’s work. Your toddler will be busy all of their waking…
Sharing books together is the single most important thing that you will do to…
Toddlers are curious. They are eager to explore their world so keeping them safe takes on a whole new meaning. Talking about safety and modelling safe behaviour is important as they will be watching everything you do. Being aware of simple first aid and safety tips will also help.
Are you concerned about your child’s safety in the car, around traffic, or in driveways and…
Parenting a pre-schooler often involves answering hundreds of questions a day as your child's natural curiousity about the world around them makes them want to find out how everything works.
Parenting a preschooler presents many new challenges and many new joys. Witnessing the change…
Your pre-schooler needs lots of sleep to help them grow. They are busy all day long, and good sleep patterns help them process and develop the information they have absorbed throughout the day.
Getting enough sleep is important for preschoolers. Sleep supports the brain development and learning that…
Your pre-schooler will start to have definite food preferences. It's important to ensure they eat a wide range of fruits and vegetables to meet their nutritional needs. Establishing good habits now will help them ease into the transition of school packed lunches.
Now is the time to create strong foundations for your child's future health. Find…
Children, like adults, are attracted to certain textures, flavours and presentation. When we are…
Pre-schoolers will start to play interactively, rather than playing in parallel with their peers, which can result in some interesting behaviours. They will start creating closer relationships with peers, while their familial relationships, particularly with their parent or primary carer will be front of mind.
Good manners, respectful behaviour and understanding appropriate social responses are all part of your pre-schoolers learning at this time.
There are many things that your preschooler will enjoy doing. There are also many…
As your pre-schooler grows, the way they play changes. They form friendships and start to play collaboratively.
Play for your preschooler is all about being creative, using their imagination and learning…
Starting school is a big event for your child, and for you. For many…
Starting school can be a very exciting time for you and your child. It…
Literacy is the ability to read and write. There are many times during the…
Numeracy is all about understanding and working with numbers. It is the ability to…
Pre-schoolers tend to run around at top speed all the time! Bumps and scrapes are very common at this stage, and having a good understanding of health and safety issues will help you through this time.
As adults, it is hard not to be upset by media coverage of unfolding…
Your school age child will spend the majority of their day connecting and communicating with their peers and their teachers. Helping them grow their communication skills will ease the transition into school life.
The early years of primary school are an exciting time. It's a time full…
Once your child starts school they are exposed to a whole new range of possible illness and sicknesses. This is normal and a part of growing up. Helping them cope with sniffles and colds will build their resilience levels. School often challenges their sense of well-being as they can face the possibility of bullying.
You can support the health and wellbeing of your child by providing opportunities for physical…
Learning how to manage your school aged child's interaction with entertainment and technology will help establish good, lifelong habits.
We are surrounded by digital media, technology and screens. They are a big part…
Your school aged child's development can be helped by ongoing support in their home environment.
Middle childhood brings many changes in a child’s life. They are becoming more independent…
As your child settles into school life their behaviour can change as they are influenced by their friends and the adults around them.
As parents we can sometimes fall into the trap of assuming that life for…
Between the ages of 4 and 8 years your child may behave differently. This…
Starting school is a big change for your child. For lots of children it is the first time they have spent extended periods away from their parents and carers. Helping them to love learning will establish good habits that will assist them throughout their school life.
The pre-teen years can be fraught with difficulty, especially as your child starts to explore independence and a new sense of identity. Communicating with your child regularly, asking them about their day, their feelings and their friends, will help you both keep your relationship strong.
During the pre-teen years, a child’s social network is very important to them. However,…
Your child's body will be starting to grow and change during the pre-teen period. Remaining open and understanding of these changes will help you both as your child matures.
Children that are mentally healthy are better equipped to handle life’s challenges and curve…
Pre-teens today have access to a wide range of entertainment and technology options. By remaining vigilant about appropriate use of these will help manage your pre-teen as they grow.
Technology is a part of everyday life for most children these days. Managing children's…
The pre-teen years are when your child starts to define their identity. Their body grows, changes and develops and they start to seek more independence.
As children approach the final years of primary school, they are undergoing a number of…
Your pre-teen may be a bit more emotional as their body starts to change and you may feel they are starting to act out a little. Remaining calm, being understanding and by showing lots of loving you will both grow together.
Before entering the teen years, children are beginning to test boundaries and are becoming more…
The upper primary years are important in establishing good study habits for high school. By encouraging your pre-teen to be enthusiastic about school, you will help them settle in to high school more easily.
Parents have an important role in encouraging and supporting your child’s learning and engagement…
Connecting regularly with your teen and keeping open lines of communication with them will help you both through this period. You may feel they place more importance on their friendships than their family, but this is just part of them growing up and defining their identity.
The teenage years are a time of significant growth and change. These years are…
Good health and mental wellbeing in the teenage years are very important. By keeping your child healthy through good nutrition and a supportive home environment will make these years rewarding.
There are many changes taking place for teenagers, both physically and emotionally. New sets…
Managing your teenagers' interaction with technology and entertainment can be challenging, especially when they are out of the house for extended periods, with a phone in their hands. By setting and keeping ground rules, and following through with consequences, you can smooth the bumps out of these years.
When children make their first trip out to a store on their own, parents…
Teenagers go though massive changes, both physically and emotionally, so the more support you can provide over this period, the stronger your relationship will be.
Adolescence is a time of huge change, physically, emotionally and socially. Teenagers are developing…
Teenagers face many challenges. As they mature their whole world starts to shift, which can result in challenging behaviours. Try to keep this in perspective and remember, they will grow out of it.
The teenage years (adolescence) are a time of profound change for young people emotionally,…
The school environment can be particularly challenging for teenagers. Peer pressure, bullying and social media can combine to make school difficult. By communicating regularly with your teenager and encouraging them to apply themselves in school, you will help them navigate the high school years more easily.
The teenage years are an exciting time when children are becoming more independent and…
Exciting times are ahead! Birth comes after lots of anticipation and preparation. It is normal to…
For expectant dads this is a time of great excitement and change. You are an…
Pregnancy brings with it many emotions. Even if you planned pregnancy for a long time…
Sleep during pregnancy is essential for you to function well. You will find you need…
Your diet can make a huge difference to how well you cope with the demands…
You may find during pregnancy that you need to change your eating and drinking habits.…
As a mother you may also wear many other ‘hats’: partner, wife, daughter, sister, friend…
Pregnancy and the arrival of a new baby can stir up many different feelings for…
From the moment of conception your baby is developing rapidly. By 12 weeks, all of…
From the moment of conception your body is embarking on an incredible building project that…
Parenting advice is everywhere. A lot of this advice is from either the toy industry…
Being physically active during pregnancy benefits both you and your baby. Staying active throughout your…
Physical activity of moderate intensity is recommended on most days throughout pregnancy, for at least…
Exercising during pregnancy is a great way to maintain good health, boost your mindset and…
Walking is a fantastic, free way to maintain your health. Thirty minutes of brisk walking…
During pregnancy it is important to be aware that all the substances you put into…
As a parent, you work hard to protect your baby. Vaccines are a valuable tool…
Becoming a parent is an amazing experience in so many ways. It is an incredible…
When you become a parent it is easy to focus all your energy on your…
Your sleep will be interrupted for the first few months after your baby arrives, so…
Staying physically active after your baby arrives will benefit both you and your whole family. When…
Many parents say that being a parent is the toughest job they have ever had.…
Dads and father figures play a unique and important role in children’s development. As a…
Sleep is necessary for all of us. It helps our brains and bodies to develop,…
Being able to settle off to sleep is a learned skill for most babies. Our…
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in the same room as an…
Your newborn baby may be tired after just one hour of being awake. Generally, babies…
At birth a full term baby’s brain weighs about 400 grams and has around 100…
At birth, a full term baby’s brain weighs about 400 grams and has around 100…
Try not to wait until your baby is crying for a feed. There are early…
Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby’s growth, development and immunity. Breastfeeding can…
Many new mothers experience breastfeeding challenges. There are steps you can take to overcome them. Common breastfeeding…
There are many reasons why mothers may want to express their breast milk. Common reasons…
Infant formula is the safe alternative to breast milk for the first 12 months. Things…
The arrival of children can be a big challenge, impacting relationships as it introduces significant…
Parenting can put a lot of pressure on your relationship, including your sex life. One…
Grandparenting is different for every family and it is important to have conversations with your…
It is important for couples to openly discuss their roles within the home and outside…
Being emotionally present with your baby is how connections are created. Tips to connect Spend…
Many things have changed since you were a parent of young children. With years of…
Babies learn and develop when they are actively involved and having fun with you during…
The brain experiences the outside world through the senses. Seeing, hearing, smelling and feeling are…
The brain is already processing sounds, voices and language rhythm in the womb. Babies come…
Play is vital for developing your baby’s brain. Babies learn about themselves, the world around…
Babies and young children learn about the world through their senses. Our senses allow us…
Your baby's favourite thing to play with is you! Through play your baby’s brain and body…
Babies spend the majority of their days lying on their backs, which is why time…
In any weather, at any time of the year, it’s important to remember the danger…
A good way to make an informed decision about which childcare service is going to…
When you have children, there are many things to consider. One of these is making your…
New parents dedicate their time and energy to the baby who relies on them for…
Sleep is important for healthy brain development, a healthy immune system and it improves our…
Understanding your baby’s sleep needs, patterns and reasons for being unsettled will help you cope…
There are many things you can do to support breastfeeding as your baby grows and…
Sometimes breastfeeding can be challenging. These challenges can change as your baby grows and develops.…
Starting solids is an exciting time for parents but can be a bit daunting. Sometimes…
Preparation and cooking Wash your hands with soap thoroughly under running water. Ensure the bench…
Cow’s milk Cow's milk should not be used as the main drink for infants before…
While you are adjusting to being parents (particularly for the first time), you may find…
There are growing numbers of families where one parent works away regularly. Though usually working in…
The quality of a baby's emotional relationships directly influences brain growth and development. Babies with…
By six to 12 months of age, you will have noticed that your baby is…
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the introduction of solids for your baby between five and…
All babies are born with the desire to communicate. By three months of age your…
Playing with your baby helps them learn. And guess what? Their favourite thing to play…
Screens are all around us. From phones to the TV, tablets to computers, modern children…
Sharing books together is the single most important thing that you can do to help…
Your baby loves to play and spend time with you. The best thing about play…
Pregnancy and the birth of a new baby can stir up many different feelings for…
Sleep is essential for a healthy child. A well-rested child is an active and contented…
Making the decision to move your child into a bed depends on your family’s individual…
Introducing your child to healthy food is a journey of learning together. It is not just about…
For toddlers, nutritional intake and amount is measured over weeks rather than days, quite different to the…
Children, like adults, are attracted to certain textures, flavours and presentation. Appetite is a personal and…
There are many wonderful developmental milestones during the toddler years and you will be surprised…
Toddlers love playing and exploring the world, learning how it works and where they fit…
As your toddler is learning life skills, they need to explore and interact with their environment,…
Did you know that learning to use the toilet is a developmental and self-care skill?…
It can be challenging for parents to support their toddlers as they struggle to manage their feelings…
Did you know your child is born with 100 billion brain cells - the most they will…
Toddlers are creatures of habit. They do best in places that are familiar, on schedules…
Play really is a child’s work. Your toddler will be busy all of their waking hours…
Sharing books together is the single most important thing that you will do to help…
Are you concerned about your child’s safety in the car, around traffic, or in driveways and car…
Parenting a preschooler presents many new challenges and many new joys. Witnessing the change in…
Getting enough sleep is important for preschoolers. Sleep supports the brain development and learning that is…
Now is the time to create strong foundations for your child's future health. Find out…
Children, like adults, are attracted to certain textures, flavours and presentation. When we are children,…
There are many things that your preschooler will enjoy doing. There are also many ways…
Play for your preschooler is all about being creative, using their imagination and learning to…
Starting school is a big event for your child, and for you. For many children…
Starting school can be a very exciting time for you and your child. It is…
Literacy is the ability to read and write. There are many times during the day…
Numeracy is all about understanding and working with numbers. It is the ability to apply…
As adults, it is hard not to be upset by media coverage of unfolding disasters…
The early years of primary school are an exciting time. It's a time full of…
You can support the health and wellbeing of your child by providing opportunities for physical activity, a…
We are surrounded by digital media, technology and screens. They are a big part of…
Middle childhood brings many changes in a child’s life. They are becoming more independent and…
As parents we can sometimes fall into the trap of assuming that life for a…
Between the ages of 4 and 8 years your child may behave differently. This is…
During the pre-teen years, a child’s social network is very important to them. However, they…
Children that are mentally healthy are better equipped to handle life’s challenges and curve balls.…
Technology is a part of everyday life for most children these days. Managing children's screen…
As children approach the final years of primary school, they are undergoing a number of significant…
Before entering the teen years, children are beginning to test boundaries and are becoming more social.…
Parents have an important role in encouraging and supporting your child’s learning and engagement in…
The teenage years are a time of significant growth and change. These years are a…
There are many changes taking place for teenagers, both physically and emotionally. New sets of…
When children make their first trip out to a store on their own, parents are…
Adolescence is a time of huge change, physically, emotionally and socially. Teenagers are developing their…
The teenage years (adolescence) are a time of profound change for young people emotionally, psychologically…
The teenage years are an exciting time when children are becoming more independent and starting…
By admin
By Serena Richardson
By Felicity Seta
