Being a parent can be tough.

Being a parent can be tough. Being a parent on lockdown is tougher still.

Public Health Wales is offering all parents, parents-to-be, grandparents and carer-givers free access to a series of online courses designed to help them understand the development and emotional milestones of their children, covering everything from pre-birth to late teens.

The courses explore topics including play, styles of parenting, sleep, temper tantrums, communications and more, and are all available online from now until May 2021.

Amy McNaughton, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Wales said: “Healthy family relationships are important in supporting children’s wellbeing and development, particularly in the earliest years of life.

“Families in Wales are living through extraordinary times. I can’t stress enough that it is completely normal to need help; and that it is ok to ask for and accept it.”

Initially launched by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the bilingual service has been adopted by Public Health Wales for an initial 12-month trial. During this time every parent in Wales can access the ‘In Our Place’ website for free.

To get access users just need to visit www.inourplace.co.uk and use the code ‘SWSOL’ if you live in Mid, West or South Wales. Then simply choose the courses that are most relevant to their child or children, split into four easy to use sections covering:
• Understanding pregnancy, labour birth and your baby
• Understanding you baby
• Understanding your child
• Understanding your teenager’s brain