Patterns of family life vary and there is no one, perfect way to bring up children. Good parenting involves caring for children's basic needs, keeping them safe, showing them warmth and love and providing the stimulation needed for their development and to help them achieve their potential, within a stable environment where they experience consistent guidance and boundaries. Parenting can be challenging. Parents themselves require and deserve support. Asking for help should be seen
as a sign of responsibility rather than as a parenting failure.

When things go wrong it does not mean that someone has failed - things go wrong for everyone.
It is often the way difficulties are handled that can make a difference to your children, both now and in the future.

There is no such thing as the perfect parent. However, there are some ways that you can make it a less stressful and more rewarding experience.
We want to help you ensure that all children in Bedfordshire are healthy, happy, safe, achieve their best and become responsible citizens. It is hoped this page and helpful guidelines can offer some ideas and information to help you find your way through what can be a maze of issues and advice. It gives contacts and further information you can follow up when you are deciding how to deal with your worries and difficulties. We have also listed some of the warning signs of particular difficulties and offer helpful tips.