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Support for parents
28/10/2008
A national survey of parents across Scotland showed that over two-thirds didn't know of any specific groups providing parental support.
Children's Minister Adam Ingram has told parents they must not feel isolated during their child's early years and that there is nothing wrong with seeking advice and support.
Mr Ingram said the Scottish Government's forthcoming Early Years Framework will boost support for parents and told mums and dads that it's okay to ask for help.
Mr Ingram, who will speak at a national parenting conference today, said:
"Getting all of our children off to the best start will help improve their life chances and lead to benefits for everyone in Scotland. It's mums and dads who know their children best and parents have a central role to play in our ambitions.
"But we know how challenging bringing up children can be. It's not as if they are born with an instruction manual and all parents will need help, advice and support from time to time to deal with issues that crop up in their lives.
"That could be guidance on health issues, managing finances or just a friendly chat for reassurance. I want parents to know that there is support out there and they should never be left feeling helpless.
"Our Early Years Framework will see a further long-term focus on ensuring parents have access to a range of services at the first opportunity to allow better engagement and help reinforce families.
"We've already acted to help young children and families by increasing free nursery provision to 475 hours, allowing access to a teacher for every pre-school child, rolling out free school meals for Scotland's youngest pupils and pushing the UK Government to improve benefits and tax credits for hard-pressed families.
"By further building resilience in the early years and breaking cycles of disadvantage we can create a better quality of life for everyone in Scotland."
Research published today by Parenting Across Scotland shows that 69 per cent of mums and dads surveyed were unable to name any organisations providing support and advice on parenting issues.
Mr Ingram added:
"Parents must understand that there's nothing wrong with asking for a bit of help. Children and families do not live their lives in isolation so parents mustn't feel they are on their own."
Parenting Across Scotland Co-ordinator Clare Simpson said:
"It's really encouraging that this survey shows most parents feel confident in dealing with their children when behaviour becomes difficult.
"However, we can all find family life a struggle at times and many parents still don't know where they can go for help. It's important that parents know that it's okay to ask for help and know where they can find help when they need it."
Parenting Across Scotland today publishes the results of a national survey on parents' experiences of bringing up children.
Minister for Children and Early Years Adam Ingram will today make a speech to parents and groups involved in supporting children and families at the Parents as Partners Conference in Edinburgh.
The Scottish Government and CoSLA are jointly developing the Early Years Framework, to be launched soon, which will mark a new era for Scotland with central and local government working together on the long-term direction of early years and early intervention policy.
Adam Ingram has called upon the UK Government to improve the UK benefits and tax credits system to help families who are struggling with poverty.
Information for parents on accessing a range of support and advice services is available at Parenting Across Scotland or through ParentLine 0808 800 2222.