Young parents

A lot can change when you become a new parent, and it can bring joy as well as challenges. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, regardless of your age or experience. Remember you’re not alone; there’s always support available for you.  

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Becoming a new parent

As a young parent, you will feel that you have extra challenges and concerns. No matter what challenges you face, there’s help available:

Your relationship with the baby's other parent

The arrival of a baby can introduce stress into your relationship. If you’re finding it hard to connect with your partner, it’s important to find time to understand the underlying issues. Whether you feel they aren’t contributing enough or are concerned about their wellbeing, open communication is key.

Set aside some time when the two of you can talk, ideally in person. Using ‘I’ statements can help you express your feelings without placing blame. For example:

  • ‘I feel like we’re drifting apart’
  • ‘I feel like I’m being shut out’
  • ‘I worry that you’re overwhelmed and not allowing me to help'

You can also talk to Childline about what’s happening with your partner. Talking things through can help you understand the situation better.

If your relationship problems escalate to emotional abuse or violence, it’s important to recognise the signs of domestic abuse.

You and your child’s safety and well-being always come first. If you have concerns support is available from Childline.

Being a single parent

Raising a baby as a single parent can feel overwhelming, but remember you are not alone. There are various support options available to you, start by reaching out to your health visitor or midwife, who can guide you on the resources and support services in your area. There may be befriending schemes for new parents where you will be matched with a volunteer who will visit your home and accompany you to local family hubs or centres. This can help you connect with available support services and other single parents.

You can ask your health visitor or midwife if there are any local parent and baby groups where you can meet other parents in similar situations. These groups typically have a facilitator who leads discussions on challenges, milestones and practical parenting tips. You may also find workshops and activities such as baby massages, playtime and rhyme time sessions. Your health visitor or midwife can provide more information on what to expect from these groups.

You can get further advice and information from Gingerbread and the NHS.

Help I'm Pregnant

Olga Rose talks about getting pregnant and having a baby at 15.

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Keeping in touch with friends

After having a baby, staying in touch with friends can be difficult and that can leave you feeling lonely and isolated. Friendships are important for your wellbeing and here are some ways you can stay connected with friends:

Share your feelings
Talk to your friends about feeling left out or wanting to see them more often. They may not realise you still wish to spend time together.

Plan baby-friendly outings
Meet friends at parks or other child-friendly locations where you can enjoy their company while caring for your baby.

Join community run parent and baby groups
These groups provide a great opportunity to meet other parents. Many are free and your health visitor can help you find which groups are in your area.

Get support
Talking to your health visitor can help you to think about ways to feel less isolated. You can also always talk to Childline.

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Contact us to speak about anything

Returning to school or college

Going back to school or college can seem hard when you’ve had a baby, but you have the right to pursue your education and your school or college should support you.

Reach out to your teachers and support staff
Share your concerns and questions with your teachers and support staff. Before you speak to them make a list of all your concerns and worries you have so they can address them. They can help you with navigating your schedule and make resources available to you so you feel more confident about returning.

Keeping up with schoolwork
Managing your schoolwork and studies can be challenging, especially if you’re worried about exams or you’re feeling tired. Set yourself achievable goals and take breaks when needed and be honest with your teachers. Sharing your experiences can help them understand how best to support you.

Dealing with negative comments
It’s never okay for anyone to make hurtful comments to you about being a young parent.
Whether it’s online or in person, nobody has the right to make you feel bad.

If you experience bullying or negative comments at school or college, report it to a trusted staff member. Schools and colleges have anti-bullying policies to protect you, but they can only help if they know what’s happening.

Sometimes it can help to tell someone in writing, and our conversation starter can make that easier.

No matter what challenges you face, remember you’re not alone. If you’re feeling anxious or concerned about what’s happening you can speak to a Childline counsellor any time.