Website helps parents on the go

A Gillard Government-funded website that provides helpful parenting information for families can now be accessed by busy parents on the go.

The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin today launched the Raising Children Network’s new mobile-optimised website at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

The Raising Children’s Network receives around $3 million a year from the Federal Labor Government to provide information and resources for parents online.

The Raising Children’s Network website receives more than half a million hits each month from parents who want accessible, expert information on parenting issues such as health and nutrition, education and child safety.

The website has been designed for easy use on smartphones and tablets, giving parents better access to helpful hints and tips on raising their children, wherever they are.

Ms Macklin said the on the go website will be particularly useful for modern families who are balancing work and family pressures.

“The Raising Children’s Network website offers a wealth of information for parents, including information specifically tailored to new mums and dads,” Ms Macklin said.

“The mobile-friendly site means busy parents can easily hop online and access more than 1500 articles, videos, podcasts and forums on things every new mum or dad needs to know, from sleep tips to changing nappies.

“The website also provides all the latest information about the Gillard Government’s help for parents like the Schoolkids Bonus, Paid Parental Leave and now Dad and Partner Pay, which gives more support for working dads and same-sex partners when a new baby arrives.”

Dad and Partner Pay, which began on 1 January this year, gives eligible working dads or partners, including adoptive parents and same sex partners, two weeks’ pay at the rate of the national minimum wage (currently about $606 per week before tax).

“Dad and Partner Pay gives new dads and partners some extra support to take time off to bond with their baby and help mum recover from the birth,” Ms Macklin said.

“So far more than 10,000 dads and partners have lodged their claim for Dad and Partner Pay, and more than 4,000 have already received their payments.

“For many self-employed dads, contractors and casual workers this is the first time they have had access to any paid paternity leave.”

Dad and Partner Pay extends the Australian Government’s successful Paid Parental Leave scheme which has helped about 250,000 working parents – mostly mums – since 2011.

For more information on Dad and Partner Pay visit www.australia.gov.au/dadandpartnerpay

The Raising Children Network website can be accessed at www.raisingchildren.net.au