Illustration of a smiling family with two adults holding a child, standing close together. The background is blue with abstract shapes, and the bold text “FAMILY SPACE” is displayed on the left side. The family members are wearing colourful clothing, and the overall style is warm and welcoming.

I’m looking for support with being a parent or carer

Welcome to our Family Space

Family life can be full of moments that make you smile, as well as times that test your patience or leave you searching for answers. That’s why we’ve created our Family Space, a place for parents and carers like you to get advice and guidance from our specialists.

You’ll find plenty of practical information to help you and your family thrive. If you need more support we can guide you to people and organisations that can make your family life a little bit easier.

Looking for support caring for your baby?

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Building healthy brains with Five to Thrive

You may not know it but you play an important role in how your child’s brain develops as they grow up. That might make you feel under pressure but don’t worry. There are straightforward things you can do with your baby, toddler, pre-schooler, child or teenager to help their brain develop and function at its best, and it’s never too late to start. 
 
We’ve teamed up with experts in the field called Knowledge Change Action Ltd (KCA). KCA has created a simple and effective approach called Five to Thrive, which helps parents and carers use knowledge from neuroscience (the study of the brain and nervous system) to support their children to build healthy brains and maintain healthy brain function throughout life. 

Whether they’re a baby or a teen, you can help your child’s brain develop and function at its best. 


Find out more about Five to Thrive

A father kneels beside a bathroom sink, gently supporting a toddler who is holding a blue toothbrush and reaching toward the tap. The child is playing with the toothbrush and Dad is making caring for first teeth a stress-free, fun experience.

Looking after your baby's first teeth 

Looking after your baby’s teeth right from the start helps set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. We’ve got tips on how to care for your little one’s teeth as they grow.

A baby on the floor wearing pyjamas and holding a stuffed toy.

Helping your child settle in their first year

In the early months, and sometimes beyond, how much, or how little, your baby sleeps can feel like the centre of everything. Read advice produced in partnership with The Lullaby Trust.

Two women sitting at a wooden kitchen table with mugs, having a conversation. One is breastfeeding a baby while seated near a refrigerator, and the other is sitting across the table with a drink in hand. The scene suggests a relaxed, supportive environment.

Breastfeeding 

Breastfeeding supports your baby’s health, development, and emotional wellbeing, and helps you build a strong bond. But we know it’s not always straightforward.

A close up, overhead view of a mum cradling and bottle-feeding her baby, with the baby looking directly forward and the profile of the mum’s face visible.

Bottle feeding

The early days with your baby are all about love, learning, and bonding. Whether you're using formula, expressed breast milk, or a mix of both, we’ve got advice. 

Worried about a child's safety?

We're here to help children grow up more hopeful, happier, healthier, and safer.

Caring for a child can bring real worries, whether they’re at home, school, out for the day, or online. If you need clear, trustworthy guidance, you’ll find it here.

This section includes practical advice on preventing accidents at home, staying safe on days out, and encouraging your child to talk about their feelings and wellbeing. You can also read about supporting a child who’s anxious, helping children affected by domestic abuse, understanding self-harm, and what to do if you’re worried about bullying or cyberbullying.

Whatever your concern, we’re here to help you keep the children in your care safe and supported.
Protecting your child from accidents at home​​​Encouraging your child to open up about their feelings, safety and wellbeingRead about supporting children affected by domestic abuseSelf-harm: what parents and carers need to knowRead about caring for a child who’s feeling anxiousHow to support your child if they’re being bullied or cyberbullied Child sexual abuse and exploitation: support for parents and carersFemale genital mutilation (FGM)
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Help with family life

A dad is leaning over a mum holding a baby at a table. The mum is looking up at the dad with a tired look on her face.

Building healthier family relationships  

People have different opinions, emotions, and ways of handling stress, so it's natural that disagreements happen. What matters most is how these conflicts are managed. This page explains what parental conflict is, what causes it, and how to reduce it in your family 

Barnardo’s work sits at a table with a young person, talking. Papers, a glass of water, and a coffee cup are on the table. The setting suggests providing guidance and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in an educational or care context

Support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) 

We offer different services to support children and young people with SEND and their families in different parts of the country.  Find out about how we may be able to support you. 

A dad wearing a backwards trucker cap and a white shirt is holding his baby daughter who’s wearing a pink onesie. They’re both smiling. Trees are visible in the background.

Support and tips for being the best Dad you can be  

Whether you go by Dada, Papa, Baba, Daddy or Tad, what matters most isn’t what your child calls you, but the relationship you build with them. We’ve got advice to guide and support you to be the best father you can be.

A young girl in a blue top with dark hair and an older fair-haired woman with a hand comfortingly on each of the girl's arms from behind. Both are smiling broadly. Trees visible in background.

Growing your family through fostering or adoption

Every family is different, and there are many ways to open your home and your heart to a child. If you’re curious about what’s involved in fostering and adoption, we’d love to help you understand the possibilities without pressure. 
 

Two sisters are playing the card game Uno on the floor of their bed room. One sister with one long braid is sitting up and is laughing, having just put down a card, and the other has thrown herself to the ground in shock.

Stopping siblings squabbling

Even when children love and get along with their brother or sister, you can expect some conflict. Read advice to help you guide your children through the ups and downs of sibling relationships. 

An adult sitting on a bed holding a piece of paper, with a child sitting on their lap. The paper appears to be a bill or document. The room has a window with vertical blinds and soft furnishings like cushions and a blanket.

Worried about money? 

If you or someone you care about is struggling to afford the essentials, like heating, food or rent, you're not alone. We've got details of organisations and tools that can help you.

Search for services in your local area

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