Becoming a Parent

Download PDF

Parenting will be the most important job you will ever have. It can be an exciting time, but can also be hard. There is a lot to learn about taking care of your child.

There are parenting classes to teach you how to be a great parent for a newborn baby. They can teach you how to care for your child and how to quiet a crying baby. You will also learn why it is important to talk to your baby. You will learn how to hold your baby and put him or her to sleep. The classes will help build your confidence in your parenting skills.

Children come into families many different ways and there are parenting classes that are available for foster and adoptive parents, relative caregivers, single parents, and more. Parenting classes play an important role for all parents regardless of the age of the child.

You could also learn parenting skills from people in your life that you are close to. Your parent, grandparent or others may have a lot of experience or wisdom in caring for children. Don’t be afraid to ask for their advice or help. Community based family resource centers are also great places to get advice and share, with other parents, your thoughts and problems.

For online parenting information and resources, go to:

PARENTING A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY

Having a child with a disability presents special challenges, and parents need extra support. If you have a baby with a disability or if you are concerned about your baby’s development, contact 211 Child Development (211CD) at 1-800-505-7000. 211CD manages entry into the Birth to Three program, the Help Me Grow program, and the Children with Special Health Care Needs program. 211CD will also help you locate support and care services.

For assistance finding services for children with disabilities and their families, click here.

KINSHIP RELATIVES

Sometimes, kinship relatives – grandparents, aunts, uncles – are called upon to take over the parenting of a relative child. Programs to support kinship caregivers, including financial assistance programs exist.  To read about programs in Connecticut that focus on kinship parenting, click on this link.

FATHERS

Dads are essential to their children’s success! When fathers are involved, even if the father is separated from the mother, children are happier, do better in school, and have a better chance for success in life. For information about the importance of the father, and to learn how to be the best Dad you can be, go to:

WORKING PARENTS

If you are working or in training, you may need child care. 211 Child Care maintains the state’s list of licensed day care centers and homes. You can call 211 Child Care to ask about providers near you (800-505-1000) , or you can search online for providers. 211 Child Care can also talk to you about how to evaluate quality, what questions to ask, how to check licensing and complaint histories, and how to help your child successfully transition to child care.

If you need help paying for child care, you may be eligible for the Care 4 Kids child care subsidy program. For more information about this program, call 1-888-214-5437 or go to the Care 4 Kids website.

Talk to your child’s healthcare provider or dial 2-1-1 for more information about becoming a parent and resources in Connecticut for you. 2-1-1 is open 24/7.

———————————————

PREPARED BY: 211/mm
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: October2024