Are you expecting a baby?

Are you adjusting to life with a new baby at home?

Would you like some ideas on working together better as parents?

You are invited to book in to Family Foundations – a fun 10 session program.

What is Family Foundations?

Parents holding their babyTwo men holding hands while one carries a toddleFamily looking down at pramTwo women holding handsFamily Foundations is a tested program that helps parents strengthen their relationship as a parenting team, providing the strong base needed for raising children in a happy home. Research has clearly shown that more parents can co-operate and learn to manage stress – the better the outcomes for babies. The program helps couples (or those parenting with someone else like an ex-partner, a Grandparent or friend) to work together and develop coping skills to manage the ups and downs of raising children. You don’t have to leave your home to attend the program – we come to you! Family Foundations is currently being delivered in the North/West Region of Melbourne, funded by the Government.

Why is Family Foundations unique?

“We so looked forward to the Family Foundations sessions – the parent coaches were funny and helpful and we learnt how to manage our baby rather than argue or give in to exhaustion! We still use the strategies they showed us 2 years later.”

This program is evidence based – which means it has been shown to make a significant difference to outcomes for babies. Family Foundations has been developed by Pennsylvania State University and has been customised for Australian families by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne. The Parent coaches are experienced people (who are parents themselves) with flexibility and humour.

Family Foundations will help you work on:

  • Building a strong team
  • Developing skills to manage challenges and conflict in family relationships
  • Strengthening communication and support
  • Managing stress and practical ways to cope

We recommend doing 5 sessions before baby arrives and 5 after baby comes home. But if you already have baby at home – you can still jump on board!

Service Partners

drummond street services

Survivors of family violence, including support for women and children from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds

Homepage- drummond street services, supporting all families since 1887 - logo

Stepfamilies Australia (drummond street services)

As one of Australia’s fastest growing family types, Stepfamilies Australia is proud to support and strengthen stepfamilies. Homepage - Stepfamilies Australia, Strengthening Stepfamilies - logo

Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute is an Australian paediatric medical research institute located in Melbourne, Victoria, affiliated with the Royal Children’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne.Homepage - Murdoch Childrens Research Institute - logo