NEW: Please read the section about
Children Exposed to Family Violence
Parenting is incredibly rewarding but it is also very tough work. There are times when we can easily see the strengths we have as a parent and there are times when we may feel lost and overwhelmed.
It’s all normal but…normal doesn’t mean easy.
It is very common for families to be separated by great distances and lack that natural support system provided by grandparents and other relatives. We are also aware the many more people are having their first child without having had very much, if any, experience with children.
Developing or identifying materials that help parents understand and respond to their child’s needs is a priority. We also want to encourage parents to take good care of themselves. Parents sometimes feel it is selfish to take time away from their child to relax or have fun. The reality is, if Mom and Dad are exhausted and stressed it is even harder parent in a positive and healthy way.
This sections deals with Crying in particular and can help you understand more about:
- infant crying: why babies cry, what is normal, and what is colic
- ways to soothe a crying baby
- ways to help yourself when the crying is too much
- Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) and why SBS is included on a web site about infant crying
Use the menu on top or the left to move through this site to learn about these topics, print helpful resources, and find links to other sites that may be of interest.
If you have something to share, including feedback on our materials and website, please contact Susan Patenaude, the Provincial Coordinator of the Alberta Network for Safe and Healthy Children at susan.patenaude@albertahealthservices.ca