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The Parenting Toolkit

Parenting brings many moments that matter. Some are joyful, some are challenging, and many can leave us wondering what to do next. The resources included below have been carefully selected to support you in your role as your child’s first and most important educator, offering evidence-informed strategies to help you navigate common family challenges with greater confidence.

Short VideosÌý

Catholic Schools Maitland‑Newcastle has created a series of short videos in collaboration with leading Australian parenting experts on the experiences of modern families.Ìý These videos provide parents and carers with practical insights and simple, easy‑to‑use strategies designed to support their child’s wellbeing.

What to say when kids won’t talk

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What to do when kids won’t listen

Watch Now

Discipline

Watch Now

3 secrets to happy families

Watch Now

Additional Resources

Triple-P Online

Our kids are growing up in a world full of screens, watching,ÌýplayingÌýand connecting.ÌýIf you are noticing conflict over screen time, behaviourÌýor mental healthÌýconcerns, and online safety worries, this self-paced, evidence-based program supports parents with practical strategies to manage these issues. It focuses on buildingÌýdailyÌýroutines and setting screen limits in positive ways, helping reduce conflict and support children’s wellbeing.Ìý

 

ParentWorks

ParentWorksÌýis a free online program for parents and caregivers of children 2 to 17. It is an ‘evidence-based’ program, which means that the program has been tested in research and found it be effective in improving parenting skills, parentingÌýconfidenceÌýand child behaviour.Ìý

Parents and caregivers may find this program helpful forÌýmanaging challenging child behaviours such as tantrums, aggression, non-compliance, inattentive or hyperactive behaviourÌýandÌýsibling conflict. It is designed to also increase participants confidence in their parenting and, provides guidance on working as a team with their partner.ÌýÌýParentWorksÌýis entirely self-directed, which means that you work through the program on your own and there is noÌýassistanceÌýfrom a professional during this program.Ìý

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WellMobÌýÌý

WellMobÌýbrings together online resources made by and forÌýAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. On the site, you will findÌýwebsites, apps, podcasts, videos, helplines, socialÌýmediaÌýand online programs all with a focus on social and emotional wellbeing.ÌýÌý


ReachOutÌý
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ReachOut is a free service, funded by the Australian Government, designed to support parents of teens. Its website includes guidance on aÌýrange of topics such as drugs, bullying, social media, mental health and wellbeing, ADHDÌýand alsoÌýincludes information on how parents can access free, professional support with a trained parenting coach.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

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Positive Partnerships

TheÌýPositive PartnershipsÌýwebsite provides evidence-based information, training, and resources to support families and educators of children on the autism spectrum, helping them improve learning, behaviour, and social outcomes.Ìý

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Parenting Strategies: Protecting your child’s mental health

TheÌýParenting Strategies: Protecting Your Child’s Mental HealthÌýwebsite offers practical, evidence-based tips to help parents support their child’s emotional wellbeing, build resilience, and respond to mental health challenges.Ìý

Ìý– website by Monash UniversityÌýÌý

Raising Children Network

TheÌýRaising Children NetworkÌýis a trusted Australian website that provides free, evidence-based parenting information and advice to support children’s development, behaviour, health, and wellbeing from pregnancy through to teens.

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The Whole-Brain ChildÌý

By Daniel J Siegal
This book helps you understand how your child’s brain develops and why big emotions can take over. It shares simple, practical strategies you can use in everyday moments to support calmer behaviour and stronger connections. It will leave you feeling more confident and better equipped to respond when things get tricky.

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Raising Boys and Raising Girls

By Steve Biddulph
These books explore how boys and girls grow and what they need to thrive at each stage of development. They offer practical, caring advice to help you build strong relationships and guide your child with confidence. You will gain a deeper understanding of your child and feel more prepared to support them as they grow.

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Brainstorm:ÌýThe Power and Purpose of the Teenage BrainÌý

Daniel J Siegal
This book explains what is really happening in the teenage brain and why teens can seem unpredictable. It reframes adolescence as a time of growth, creativity and opportunity, not just challenge. You will finish with new insight and a stronger sense of how to stay connected with your teen.

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Ten things IÌýwishÌýyou knew about your child’s mental health

Dr Billy Garvey
This book offers clear and reassuring guidance on how to support your child’s mental health at any age. It focuses on what really matters, from relationships to understanding behaviour, in a practical and easy-to-read way. Parents will walk away feeling more confident and hopeful about supporting their child’s wellbeing.

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Help me help my teen

Maggie Dent
This book supports parents to understand the real pressures teens face today and how to respond with care and confidence. It provides practical advice for tough topics while helping you stay connected through the ups and downs of adolescence. It is a reassuring guide that helps you feel less alone and more prepared.

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Girlhood

Maggie Dent
This book shines a light on the unique experiences of growing up female in today’s world. It helps parents understand the emotional and social pressures girls face and how to support them with warmth and strength. You will gain practical ways to build your daughter’s confidence and wellbeing.

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From boys to men

Maggie Dent
This book explores what boys need as they grow into young men in a changing world. It encourages parents to nurture connection, guide behaviour with understanding, and support healthy growth. You will come away with practical ideas to help boys develop into kind, capable adults.

Emerging Minds Families

A podcast that chats with parents and practitioners across Australia who share experiences, knowledge, strengths and skills they’ve developed whilst raising a family.

 


Parental as Anything

Maggie Dent
This podcast provides practical, supportive advice from parenting experts and aims to help find solutions to the challenges that parents face everyday.

 

 

Happy Families

Dr Justin Coulson
This podcast offers practical research-basedÌýadviseÌýto help parents raise resilient, happy children.

 

Raising Healthy MindsÌý

TheÌýRaising Healthy MindsÌýapp provides short, practical, evidence-based tools to support children’s mental health and wellbeing. It helps parents and educators build children’s resilience, emotional regulation, and coping skills through simple, everyday strategies.

Resilient Kids-Toolkit for families

The Resilient Kids Toolkit by Royal Far West is a free, practical resource designed to help parents support their children’s emotional wellbeing and resilience. Developed by paediatric and trauma specialists, the toolkit provides simple, evidence-based strategies that families can use in everyday life.


Parenting our way

Emerging Minds’ new Parenting our way resourcesÌýcentres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing,ÌýhonouringÌýand building on families’ skills and knowledge

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Parent Line

A free telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers with children aged 0-18 years who live in NSW.

1300 1300 52

Student Wellbeing in Catholic Schools Maitland-NewcastleÌý

At Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle, your child’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.  Ìý

Our schools are communities built on faith, respect and genuine care; places where every young person is known, valued and supported to thrive.ÌýÌý

Our approach is guided by Catholic identity and shaped by clear policies and practices that nurture student wellbeing, positive relationships and safe behaviour in every school day. 

Learn more