Parenting can be a huge challenge, which is why family support charity Home-Start UK has created six short films on how to deal with everyday issues from toddler tantrums to taking care of yourself.
Lasting around a minute each, the films give realistic and simple tips on common issues like how to cope with crying, the relentless questions of childhood curiosity and ideas for bonding with your unborn baby.
Many parents find it difficult to ask for help, so the films show mums and dads that it is normal to become overwhelmed, and, more importantly, highlight that it’s OK to ask for help. The films are easily shareable with friends or family on social media apps and chat groups, and designed so that people can offer support to loved ones by sending the links.
Madeleine Jarratt, a Home-Start family support coordinator, who features in the film called Babies’ Tears, said: “Babies cry for an average of two hours a day. Tending to tears can be lonely and overwhelming. Too often we just think it’s normal to struggle. Seeking help if you’re feeling overwhelmed will help both you and your little one.”
Fatjona Borizani, Perinatal Health Lead for Home-Start Barnet, who features in the Childhood Curiosity film, said: “Research shows that between the ages of two and five a child asks around 40,000 questions. But it isn’t easy to be the adult on the receiving end of these non-stop queries. Especially when you may not know all the answers.”
Chores can pile up when you have a new baby and leave parents feeling exhausted, said Janine Harris, a Home-Start volunteer manager, who features in the film Taking Care of You. “You can spend the whole day trying to get a single job done,” she said. “And the more your tasks add up, the more overwhelmed you begin to feel. If it feels too much, and these feelings don’t seem to be going away, it is important to tell someone such as your GP or Health Visitor. Reach out to friends and family for support and accept help.”
Peter Grigg, Chief Executive of Home-Start UK, said, “Our short films give people a range of simple ideas on how to deal with the challenges faced by parents every day. It’s a valuable way to give information. We hope the films also show that receiving advice or asking for support is completely natural. Parenting is tough, even more so since the pandemic. Many people find it difficult asking for help, so we are delighted to create this extra way to support families.”
The parenting film collection from birth to toddler years
· Bonding with your unborn baby. Tara Spence, Chief Executive of Home-Start in Suffolk, said: “You don’t need to wait until your baby is born to bond with them. Pregnancy is the perfect time to start getting to know them, and for them to start getting to know you.” https://www.home-start.org.uk/bonding-with-your-unborn-baby
· Taking Care of You When You Have A New Baby. Janine Harris, Volunteer Manager at Home-Start Hertfordshire, said: “Ever feel with a new baby, it’s impossible to complete even the simplest of tasks? You can spend the whole day trying to get a single job done. And the more your tasks add up, the more overwhelmed you begin to feel. If it feels too much, and these feelings don’t seem to be going away, it is important to tell someone such as your GP or Health Visitor. Reach out to friends and family for support and accept help.”
https://www.home-start.org.uk/taking-care-of-you-when-you-have-a-baby
· Your Baby’s Tears. Madeleine Jarratt, Family Support Coordinator of Home-Start Merton, said: “Babies cry for an average of two hours a day. Tending to tears can be lonely and overwhelming. Too often we just think it’s normal to struggle. Seeking help if you’re feeling overwhelmed will help both you and your little one.” https://www.home-start.org.uk/your-babys-tears
· Helping Your Baby’s Brain To Build. Ryan Warren, Family Support Coordinator, from Home-Start Glasgow South, said: “Long before they can talk, your baby begins conversations with you. By establishing back and forth responses you can help their brain develop. These moments of connection help your baby feel connected and understood.”
https://www.home-start.org.uk/helping-your-babys-brain-to…
· Childhood Curiosity. Fatjona Borizani, Perinatal Health Lead, Home-Start Barnet, said: “ Research shows that between the ages of two and five a child asks around 40,000 questions. But it isn’t easy to be the adult on the receiving end of these non-stop queries. Especially when you may not know all the answers.” https://www.home-start.org.uk/childhood-curiosity
· Learning from Toddler Tantrums. Saiqa Pandor, Family Liaison Manager, Home-Start Camden and Islington, said: “They can make you want to tear your hair out. Embarrassing in public. Frustrating in private. They usually happen if a child is feeling overwhelmed by an intense emotion which is too big for them to manage. Remember they are only little. Letting it all out is how they express this. Remember – it’s a completely normal and expected part of your child’s development.”
https://www.home-start.org.uk/toddler-tantrums