Parent Wellbeing
Have you heard of Parentline?
Let’s be real, parenting is hard. We all need support sometimes, and Parentline can be a great resource. Parentline is a phone service for parents and carers of children from birth to 18 years old. They offer confidential and anonymous counselling and support on parenting issues. You can contact them on 13 22 89, and they are available 8am to midnight, seven days a week, including public holidays.
What does Parentline do?
Their qualified counsellors are available to:
- Talk about any issues to do with parenting and your relationships with your child.
- Help you with ways to cope and be a positive parent.
- Help with your family's wellbeing and resilience.
- Connect you with services in your area.
Your Phone Call
Your privacy is important. Rest assured that your calls are confidential and anonymous. There are no time restrictions on calls, and you are welcome to reach out to Parentline as often as needed.
Parentline’s team of qualified and experienced counsellors come from social work or psychology backgrounds. They are there to listen, judgement free. You have the option to request a male or female counsellor. If you choose to call back, you can ask to speak with the same counsellor.
Parentline also provides assistance for non-English speaking parents and carers by connecting them to a translating and interpreting service. If you are hearing impaired, you can reach Parentline through the National Relay Service.
Calls from landlines are charged at local call rates, while mobile call rates depend on your network provider—please check with your provider if you have any uncertainties. To minimize costs, we offer the option for us to call you back, placing you at the front of the queue until connected with the next available counsellor.
Parentline can discuss a range of issues about parenting, including:
- Child behaviour and development
- Parent / carer child relationships
- Education
- Bullying
- Living with teenagers
- Family violence
- Family breakdown
- Parental stress
Common Parent Concerns
Here are some examples of when Parentline counsellors have explored solutions with callers:
- 'My 8- and 10-year-old continuously fight.'
- 'I am worried that my child is bullied at school.'
- 'My stepchildren ignore me.'
- 'My 12-year-old daughter is on the internet a lot and I am not sure what she is doing.'
- 'I suspect that my 14-year-old is seeing an 18-year-old.'
- 'Childcare had told me that my 2-year-old is biting other children.'
- 'I feel like hitting my 4-year-old, I don’t want to, but I am at my wits end.'
- 'My 15-year-old has hit me.'
- 'I read my daughter’s Facebook – she said that she doesn't want to live anymore.'
- 'My 2-year-old has lots of tantrums and I am struggling.'
- 'I'm worried about how my relationship with my partner is affecting my children.'
- 'My son seems very fearful and anxious, and I'm worried he's not coping.'
- 'I can't seem to talk to my 14-year-old daughter without getting into a screaming match.'
If you have concerns or are navigating challenges related to parenting, Parentline is a reliable and compassionate resource ready to provide the support you need.
Seeking Textbooks & Laptops
Parent Support Services
Parentline: 13 22 89
If you would like further ongoing support, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your family General Practitioner (G.P.) where you can discuss the concerns that you may behaving. The G.P. will then be able to make the appropriate referral for ongoing support as required.
Student Wellbeing Team
Email: wellbeing@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au
Ashleigh Bibby - Leader of Wellbeing
Guiseppe Relia – Wellbeing Counsellor
Talea-Jane Simpson – Wellbeing Counsellor
Sanela Avdic - Wellbeing Counsellor
Lea Marrison - Mental Health Practitioner
Tajinder Wulff - Mental Health Practitioner
Katrina Gyngell - Mental Health Practitioner