Parents

Children should always be closely supervised near animals and taught how to behave safely around pets.

As they grow and develop, and with the help of adults, children become increasingly aware of how they can manage their own safety and become safer road and bicycle users.

Give your child opportunities to appreciate their body for what it can do, rather than what it looks like.

Parents can help with bullying by supporting their child and involving the authorities to find solutions.

Toddlers are most at risk of drowning because they are mobile and curious but don't understand the danger of water.

The best way to reduce the risk of injury to children is to remove a potentially dangerous item or add a safety product.

By making a few practical changes to your home, you can dramatically reduce the risk of injury to your child.

Taking care to restrain children correctly while travelling in a car is the best way to prevent injuries.

Children who live on farms are at greater risk of injury and death than their parents or other farm workers.

Play environments can be safe and beneficial for your child. With proper planning, you can make sure your child gets plenty of playtime activity.

Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 immediately if you suspect your child has been poisoned, given the wrong medicine or the wrong dose of medicine.

As they grow and develop, and with the help of adults, children become increasingly aware of how they can manage their own safety, and become safer road users.

ASD is a complex disorder that affects a person's ability to interact with the world around them.

Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition, but you are not on your own and there are plenty of professionals and groups who can help.

People with cognitive disability can express their sexuality in satisfying ways.

If your child has a disability, you need to consider extra issues when your child starts school.

Sexuality is a key part of human nature. Expressing sexuality in satisfying ways is important for everyone, including people with a disability. Some people with disability may need additional support, education or services to enjoy healthy sexuality and relationships.

For a person with Down syndrome, being included in all aspects of family life can lead to a successful life within the community.

There are a number of significant health and medical issues that are more common in people with Down syndrome.

You should focus on what your child with Down syndrome can do, rather than what they can't do.

Sexuality is a key part of human nature. Expressing sexuality in satisfying ways is important for everyone, including people with a disability. Some people with disability may need additional support, education or services to enjoy healthy sexuality and relationships.

Children may feel stomach pain for a range of reasons and may need treatment.

Allergy occurs when the body overreacts to a 'trigger' that is harmless to most people.

You can help your child overcome anxiety by taking their fears seriously and encouraging them to talk about their feelings.

Parents and children talk about some of the factors that can cause a child's asthma to flare up.

Exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of children developing asthma and provokes more frequent asthma in children with asthma.

Children with back pain may grow into adults with chronic bad backs, so it is important to encourage sensible back care.

Bedwetting is a problem for many children and punishing them for it will only add to their distress.

Untreated behavioural disorders in children may mean they grow up to be dysfunctional adults.

Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection in babies under 6 months of age

A chest infection affects your lungs, either in the larger airways (bronchitis) or in the smaller air sacs (pneumonia).

Chickenpox is highly contagious, but it is generally mild and gets better without the need for special treatment.

Mild vomiting is normal in most babies and improves over time.

A child learning to walk receives important sensory information from the soles of their feet, and shoes can make walking more difficult.

Don't slap a choking person on the back while they are upright - gravity may cause the object to slip further down their windpipe. Find out what to do when someone is choking.

Cold viruses are spread by sneezing, coughing and hand contact.

Caring for a crying baby with colic can be stressful, so take some time out to calm down.

A healthy diet, plenty of fluids, exercise and regular toilet habits can help relieve constipation in children

Coughing and wheezing in babies can be distressing for you and your baby, but in most cases symptoms can be relieved at home.

Cradle cap is not contagious and it is not caused by poor hygiene or bad parenting.

Croup is a viral infection of the throat and windpipe that causes noisy breathing, a hoarse voice and a harsh, barking cough.

Cysts may be as small as a blister or large enough to hold litres of fluid.

Dental anxiety is common, but there are ways to help you manage it. Talk to your dentist about that strategies that are right for you.

Modern techniques mean that dental and oral health treatment is almost always painless.

The most important thing is to recognise the signs and symptoms and seek support.

It is estimated that around four out of five children will experience a middle ear infection at least once.

Children with epilepsy generally have seizures that respond well to medication, and they enjoy a normal and active childhood.

Correctly fitted shoes help you avoid foot and leg pain or injury.

A febrile convulsion is a fit that occurs in children when they have a high fever.

Food allergy is an immune response, while food intolerance is a chemical reaction.

Gastroenteritis is common in young children and spreads easily. See your doctor if your child is vomiting often, not drinking, showing signs of dehydration or has blood in their poo.

Growing pains may cause a lot of pain but they are harmless and can respond to simple treatments.

Good personal hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease to others, both for those infected and their carers.

No product can prevent head lice, but regular checks can help prevent the spread.

The earlier that hearing loss is identified in children, the better for the child?s language, learning and overall development.

By law, parents or guardians must provide an Immunisation History Statement when enrolling children in any childcare service, kindergarten or primary school in Victoria.

The immunisation program in Victoria may be different than other countries, and individuals who have moved to Victoria from overseas may need catch-up immunisations.

If your baby is full-term and healthy, mild jaundice is nothing to worry about and will resolve by itself within a week or so.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Melissa shares her story of how her baby caught chickenpox at 5 weeks old.

Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious illness that usually takes the form of a blood infection (septicaemia) or infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

Most babies get nappy rash at some stage, no matter how well they are cared for.

Once children are overweight, it takes a lot of effort for them to return to a healthy weight.

If your child is overweight, you can help by making healthier lifestyle choices for yourself.

Oral conditions such as mouth ulcers and oral thrush can happen to young babies and infants.

If you think your child is in pain, always see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Despite the unsavoury reputation, a pinworm infection (worms) is relatively harmless and easily treated.

Every child is at risk of tooth decay, but good feeding habits and oral care can help prevent decay in baby teeth.

The major symptom of whooping cough is a severe cough, which is often followed by a 'whooping' sound.

Give your child opportunities to appreciate their body for what it can do, rather than what it looks like.

Parents can help with bullying by supporting their child and involving the authorities to find solutions.

If your child's shyness is especially debilitating, you may like to consider professional help from a counsellor or psychologist.

Sibling rivalry is a common problem, particularly among children who are the same sex and close together in age.

Disciplining your child means teaching them responsible behaviour and self-control.

It is normal to disagree with each other from time to time and occasional conflict is part of family life.

Internet addiction refers to the compulsive need to spend a lot of time on the Internet, to the point where relationships, work and health suffer.

With a few simple plans in place, a good time can be had by all at a teenage party – even the parents.

Peer groups can be a very positive influence on your teenager's life.

How parents and carers can talk to children about relationships, sex and sexuality. Includes - how and when to start, topics at different ages and stages, teenage sex, school safety and support.

Accept that your adolescent may have a different view of the world and respect their opinions.

Children thrive with words of encouragement and praise.

Adoption can give a secure family life to children who, for various reasons, can’t live with their birth family.

The grief of empty nest syndrome often goes unrecognised, because an adult child moving out of home is seen as a normal, healthy event.

Foster care is temporary care of children up to 18 years by trained, assessed and accredited foster carers.

Kinship care is the care provided by relatives or a member of a child's social network when a child cannot live with their parents.

As a foster carer, you are providing a safe, supportive home for a child or young person who can’t live with their family of origin. You may face challenges that other parents don’t have to confront.

After experiencing abuse, neglect or rejection, many children are slow to put their trust in anyone.

In single-parent households, issues such as holidays or major family purchases are more likely to be decided with the children.

Surrogacy is a form of assisted reproductive treatment (ART) in which a woman carries a child within her uterus on behalf of another person or couple.

Miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death is a shattering event for those expecting a baby. Grief and anxiety about subsequent pregnancies are common in these circumstances but counselling can help.

People who have support from family and friends are less likely to suffer poor health after bereavement and loss.

It can be difficult to talk to a child about death, but it is important to be honest with them.

Provides an overview of family support programs and health services available to refugees and asylum seekers living in Victoria.

You can reduce your baby's risk of sudden unexpected death by providing a safe sleeping environment and avoiding tobacco smoke.

It is normal to have strong emotional or physical reactions after a distressing or frightening event, and help is available.

Babies and toddlers can be as affected by trauma as any other family member.

Preschoolers may not have the words but will show their distress at traumatic events through changes in behaviour and functioning.

Tell your child the facts about a distressing or frightening experience using language they can understand.

When a family is affected by trauma, everyone will react in a different way.

Children look to their parents or carers to judge how to deal with a crisis.

Teenagers may turn to friends rather than parents for support in times of trauma and distress.

A teenager may be deeply upset by a traumatic event, but not share their feelings with their parents.

All suicide threats are serious. You don't have to be a trained professional to help a person contemplating suicide.

Learn all about alcohol - includes standard drink size, health risks and effects, how to keep track of your drinking, binge drinking, how long it takes to leave the body, tips to lower intake.

If you feel uneasy about the conduct of your doctor, it may be a warning sign that something is wrong.

It is normal to disagree with each other from time to time and occasional conflict is part of family life.

It might be valuable to occasionally evaluate the dynamics of your family to ensure that everyone is as happy as they could be.

The birth of your first child can significantly change your relationship with your partner and may impact on other relationships.

Everyone's immunisation needs are different and are influenced by your health, lifestyle, age and occupation.

It is important to manage feelings like anger and frustration so that you can enjoy parenting.

Postnatal depression can happen either a few days or weeks after the birth, with a slow or sudden onset.

It is important to consult with your doctor or midwife before embarking on any postnatal exercise program - you may need more time than you think to heal from childbirth.

You can dramatically reduce your risk of early death by making a few simple lifestyle changes.

If you want to quit smoking, think about how much of your weekly income is going up in smoke.

My Health and Development Record is designed for parents to keep and record their child's milestones, health, growth, development and immunisations.

This is your two week key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.

This is your four week key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.

This is your eight week key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.

This is your four month key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.

This is your sixth key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse in your local area. Maternal and child health nurses work in partnership with families to care for babies and young children until they start school. The service is free for all Victorian families.

This is your seventh key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse in your local area. Maternal and child health nurses work in partnership with families to care for babies and young children until they start school. The service is free for all Victorian families.

This is your eighth key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse in your local area. Maternal and child health nurses work in partnership with families to care for babies and young children until they start school. The service is free for all Victorian families.

When your child turns two, it is time for their second from last key age and stage appointment with your maternal and child health nurse.

When your child turns three-and-a-half, it is time for their final key age and stage appointment with your maternal and child health nurse.

There is a range of subsidised and free health services, including services for mental health and dental health, available for children in Victoria.

There are many government funded family support services available to help parents and young people deal with family issues.

Your local Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service will be a great source of support after your baby is born.

It might be valuable to occasionally evaluate the dynamics of your family to ensure that everyone is as happy as they could be.

My Health and Development Record is designed for parents to keep and record their child's milestones, health, growth, development and immunisations.

Parenting is one of the most important tasks we undertake but it doesn't always come naturally.

This is your first key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.

The birth of your first child can significantly change your relationship with your partner and may impact on other relationships.

This is your two week key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.

This is your four week key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.

This is your eight week key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.

This is your sixth key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse in your local area. Maternal and child health nurses work in partnership with families to care for babies and young children until they start school. The service is free for all Victorian families.

This is your seventh key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse in your local area. Maternal and child health nurses work in partnership with families to care for babies and young children until they start school. The service is free for all Victorian families.

This is your eighth key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse in your local area. Maternal and child health nurses work in partnership with families to care for babies and young children until they start school. The service is free for all Victorian families.

When your child turns two, it is time for their second from last key age and stage appointment with your maternal and child health nurse.

When your child turns three-and-a-half, it is time for their final key age and stage appointment with your maternal and child health nurse.

Puberty is a time of great change for a young person and their parents.

A young child is naturally active, so build upon their inclinations to use their body.

If you eat and enjoy fruit and vegetables every day, your child may eventually follow your lead.

Access to vaccines has changed lives and protects our children from crippling diseases such as polio.

Eating disorders are on the increase in children and young people. Identifying the signs and seeking early treatment is the best way to begin the journey to recovery.

Everyone's immunisation needs are different and are influenced by your health, lifestyle, age and occupation.

If your child is overweight, you can help by making healthier lifestyle choices for yourself.

Physical activity is an important part of health and wellbeing, and girls should remain active as they grow up.

Encourage children to drink and enjoy water. Sweet drinks such as juice, cordial and soft drinks may cause health problems for children if consumed in large amounts.

How parents and carers can talk to children about relationships, sex and sexuality. Includes - how and when to start, topics at different ages and stages, teenage sex, school safety and support.

All suicide threats are serious. You don't have to be a trained professional to help a person contemplating suicide.

There is a range of subsidised and free health services, including services for mental health and dental health, available for children in Victoria.

Community health services are publicly funded and offer a range of health services to local residents.

Early Parenting Centres help families whose children have sleep, feeding or other difficulties.

For children diagnosed with a disability, getting the support they need as early as possible will give them the best chance of minimising the long-term effects of the disability.

There are many government funded family support services available to help parents and young people deal with family issues.

This is your first key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.

This is your four week key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.

This is your eight week key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.

This is your four month key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years.

This is your sixth key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse in your local area. Maternal and child health nurses work in partnership with families to care for babies and young children until they start school. The service is free for all Victorian families.

This is your seventh key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse in your local area. Maternal and child health nurses work in partnership with families to care for babies and young children until they start school. The service is free for all Victorian families.

This is your eighth key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse in your local area. Maternal and child health nurses work in partnership with families to care for babies and young children until they start school. The service is free for all Victorian families.

When your child turns two, it is time for their second from last key age and stage appointment with your maternal and child health nurse.

When your child turns three-and-a-half, it is time for their final key age and stage appointment with your maternal and child health nurse.

Puberty is a time of great change for a young person and their parents.

There is a range of non-government agencies available to help families under stress in caring for their children.

Provides an overview of family support programs and health services available to refugees and asylum seekers living in Victoria.

You may need outside help to resolve problems and ensure your relationship stays healthy and strong.

How parents and carers can talk to children about relationships, sex and sexuality. Includes - how and when to start, topics at different ages and stages, teenage sex, school safety and support.