Whether you are a birth parent, foster parent or teen parent, it’s a big job. The better prepared you are, the better your chances of providing a healthy environment where children and teens can thrive. We can all use a little help now and then, especially when a child or teen may be at risk or in crisis due to abuse, mental illness, educational challenges or physical disabilities. Check out these websites and articles to get ideas on parenting and tips on what has worked for other parents facing similar issues.
Foster Parenting and Adoption
- EMQ FamiliesFirst Foster/Adopt
Visit our HelpKids.org parent site to learn more about becoming a foster or adoptive family. Read our FAQ page on foster parenting and adoption to get the basic facts. - EMQ FamiliesFirst Fact Sheet: Dispelling the Myths of Foster-Adoption
Get the facts on what is really involved in adopting a child from the foster care system. - Caring for Another Person’s Child
This Guide is designed to give caregivers practical information about how to access government programs and community services. It was developed for Los Angeles County but includes some good general information that applies to all. See the section on types of parental caregivers for info on informal caregivers, probate court legal guardians and other types of caregivers. - Child Development: Positive Parenting Tips from the CDC
The Department of Health and Human Services Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a series of Positive Parenting Tip Sheets that include developmental milestones, positive parenting and child safety. Click the link above to visit the web page or go directly to the tip sheets:
- Planned Parenthood for Teens
This site offers a list of health info and services for teens and includes information on getting to know your body, relationships, pregnancy, LGBTQ and an Ask the Experts section where you can post a question. Site also includes a search facility for Finding a Health Center by entering your zip code or state. - First 5 California Parents’ Site
First 5 offers education, health services, childcare, and other programs to California’s young children (ages 0-5) and their families. Click on the map of California then find your County on the map and click on it to see the First 5 home page for your County and the resources and services offered. You can also request a free Kit for New Parents. - The Child Welfare Information Gateway
This gateway includes resources and tools covering topics on child welfare, child abuse and neglect, out-of-home care, adoption, and more. See their series of tip sheets (PDFs):
Also from the Child Welfare Information Gateway:
General
- Parenting Help from KidsHealth.org
The Parents section of KidsHealth.org addresses general health, developmental issues, nutrition and fitness, first aid and safety, and much more. Here are just a few examples of what you can find on this site:
- Pregnancy and Newborns
- Am I ‘Too Tough’ When I Discipline My Kids?
- Helping Kids Cope With Cliques
- Helping Kids Cope With Stress
- Helping Kids Handle Worry
- Helping Your Child Deal With Death
- Tips for Divorcing Parents
- First Aid and Safety (includes printable safety guides on A-Z topics such as allergic reactions, dental injuries, seizures and vomiting.
- Parenting Help with Teens
See the Adolescent Health Working Group’s (AHWG) website page Resources for Parents/Caregivers. Also take a look at these info sheets:
- The 5 Basics of Parenting Adolescents
- Talking to Your Teen About Tough Issues
- Your Teen is Changing includes tips on how your teen may be changing and what your child still needs from you.
Fun Stuff for Kids
- Kids Activities from www.education.com
This site contains activities for kids, from arts and crafts to test prep, and is divided by age group, from preschool through high school. - California Kids Page
Visit the California Kids Page for fun and games and homework help.
