We use and support the work of trustworthy, like-minded organizations such as those listed here.
We cannot read all of the blogs and other materials from other organizations, so, while we do want to promote those with similar values, not all the views in these linked sites will necessarily match our own.
Frequently Used Sites
Canadian Paediatric Society – http://www.cps.ca/
Caring for Kids – http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/
Healthy Families BC – https://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/parenting
Ministry of Children and Family Development – http://www.gov.bc.ca/mcf/
Ministry of Health Services – http://www.gov.bc.ca/health/index.html
Office of Indigenous Health – http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/aboriginal/
Healthy Women and Children – http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/women-and-children/
Sooke Family Resource Society – http://www.sfrs.ca/
Families Canada (formerly National Family Resource Programs) – https://www.familiescanada.ca/
Roots of Empathy – http://rootsofempathy.org/
Alberta Family Wellness Initiative – https://www.albertafamilywellness.org/
American Academy of Pediatrics – http://www.aap.org/
Victoria Native Friendship Centre – http://www.vnfc.ca/
Greater Victoria Public Library – https://www.gvpl.ca/
Greater Vancouver Public Library – https://www.vpl.ca/
Pregnancy & Prenatal
About Kids Health- Pregnancy – https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/pregnancy
Healthy Families BC – https://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/
Caring for Kids (Pregnancy) – https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/pregnancybabies-index
Midwifery Today – https://midwiferytoday.com/
Motherisk – http://www.motherisk.org/
Perinatal Services BC – http://www.perinatalservicesbc.ca/
Parenting & Childcare
Baby Go Round – http://www.babygoround.ca/
Fathers’ Roles in the Care and Development of Their Children: The Role of Pediatricians – http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2016/06/10/peds.2016…
Health Canada for Parents – https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/just-for-you/parents.html
Kangaroo Mother Care – http://kangaroomothercare.com/
Heart-Mind Online – Educating the Heart http://heartmindonline.org
Parenting Now website for parents including a chat line – https://parentingnow.ca/
Tresillian (non-profit organisation that assists Australian families) – https://www.tresillian.org.au/
Child Development
ACEs and Toxic Stress (from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University ) – https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/aces-and-toxic-stress-frequently-asked-questions/
Appetite to Play – https://www.appetitetoplay.com/
BC Association for Child Development and Intervention https://www.bcacdi.org
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University – https://developingchild.harvard.edu/
Child Development Core Story – http://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/project-for-babies/
Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Online – https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/Sections/Section-on-Developmental-and-Behavioral-Pediatrics/Pages/SODBP.aspx
Early Childhood Mental Health (from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University ) – https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/deep-dives/mental-health/
Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development – http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/
Establishing a Level Foundation for Life: Mental Health Begins in Early Childhood (Working Paper No, 6) (from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University ) – https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/establishing-a-level-foundation-for-life-mental-health-begins-in-early-childhood/
Health Nexus / Best Start: Ontario’s Maternal, Newborn and Early Child Development Resource Centre – http://www.beststart.org/about_us/index.html
Human Early Learning Partnership – http://earlylearning.ubc.ca/
InBrief: Applying the Science of Child Development in Child Welfare Systems (from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University ) –
https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/inbrief-applying-the-science-of-child-development-in-child-welfare-systems/
InBrief: Early Childhood Mental Health (from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University ) – https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/inbrief-early-childhood-mental-health-video/
Infant and Child Research at McGill – http://www.psych.mcgill.ca/labs/bebe/english/
Medline Plus – https://medlineplus.gov/infantandnewborndevelopment.html
Nexus Santé – http://fr.meilleurdepart.org
Read to Me – http://www.readtome.ca
Room to Read – http://www.roomtoread.org/
The Science of Early Childhood Development: Closing the Gap Between What We Know and What We Do (from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University ) – https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/the-science-of-early-childhood-development-closing-the-gap-between-what-we-know-and-what-we-do/
VROOM – https://www.vroom.org/
ZERO TO THREE – https://www.zerotothree.org/
Child & Youth Health
About Kids Health – https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/
Appetite to Play – https://www.appetitetoplay.com/
Attachment Parenting International – http://www.attachmentparenting.org/
Canada Health Network: Children – http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ch-se-eng.php?rd=children_enfant_eng
Child & Youth Health Network – https://childyouthhealth.org
Echo: Translating Evidence in Child Health to Enhance Outcomes – http://www.echokt.ca/
Institute for Attachment & Child Development – https://www.instituteforattachment.org/
Island Health Magazine – http://www.viha.ca/about_viha/news/magazine
KidsHealth – https://kidshealth.org/
Vancouver Coastal Health (Children and Youth) – http://www.vch.ca/public-health/children-youth-schools
Key Organizations
American Academy of Paediatrics – https://www.aap.org/en-us/Pages/Default.aspx
Big Brothers and Sisters of Canada – https://bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/
Breastfeeding Committee for Canada – http://www.breastfeedingcanada.ca/
Canadian Association for Young Children – https://www.cayc.ca/
Canadian Child Care Federation – http://www.cccf-fcsge.ca/
Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children – http://rightsofchildren.ca/
Canadian Paediatric Society – https://www.cps.ca/
Childcare Resource and Research Unit – https://www.childcarecanada.org/
Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations of Early Learning – http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/
Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education’s Heart-Mind online – http://heartmindonline.org/
Institute for Child Rights and Development – http://www.iicrd.org/
The National Council on Family Relations – https://www.ncfr.org/
National Head Start Association – https://www.nhsa.org/
Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies – https://www.hmhb.org/
National Scientific Council on the Developing Child – http://developingchild.harvard.edu/
Public Health Agency of Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/topics/mental-health-wellness.html
Canadian Red Cross – https://www.redcross.ca/
Representatives for Children and Youth – https://rcybc.ca/
Research in Early Education and Child Health – http://www.creche.sfu.ca/
Society for Research in Child Development – https://www.srcd.org/
United Way Greater Victoria – http://uwgv.ca/kids/
United Way Lower Mainland – http://www.uwlm.ca/
BC Organizations for Children and Youth
BC Council for Families – https://www.bccf.ca/
BC Family Child Care Association – https://bcfcca.ca/
BC Healthy Kids Program – https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/ministries/social-development-poverty-reduction
The Boys And Girls Club Victoria – http://www.bgcvic.org/
Early Childhood Educators of B.C. – http://www.ecebc.ca/
Family Services of Greater Vancouver – http://fsgv.ca
HELP (Human Early Learning Partnership) – http://earlylearning.ubc.ca/
Jewish Family Services VI – http://www.jfsvi.ca/
Infant and Child Development Association of BC – https://icdabc.ca/programs/infant-development-program/
MOSAIC – http://www.mosaicbc.com/
Parent Support Services Society of BC – https://www.parentsupportbc.ca/
Pacific Community Resources – http://pcrs.ca/
The Reading Bear Society – http://thereadingbear.ca
Representatives for Children and Youth – https://rcybc.ca/
South Island “1000 X 5” Children’s Book Recycling Projects – http://www.1000×5.ca/about-1000×5-literacy/
S.U.C.C.E.S.S – http://www.successbc.ca/
Victoria Childcare Resources – https://www.childcarevictoria.org/
YMCA-YWCA Vancouver – http://www.vanymca.org
YMCA-YWCA Victoria – https://vancouverislandy.com/
Indigenous Organizations for Children
Aboriginal Supported Child Development Programs – http://ascdp.bc.ca/
Indigenous Child and Family Development – https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/indigenous-people/supporting-communities/child-family-development
Aboriginal Children’s Circle of Early Learning – http://www.cccf-fcsge.ca/topics/aboriginal-child-care/
Aboriginal Infant Development Programs of BC – www.aidp.bc.ca
Aboriginal Head Start – http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/dca-dea/prog-ini/ahsunc-papacun/index-e…
The BC Aboriginal Child Care Society – https://www.acc-society.bc.ca/
Indigenous Perspectives Society – https://ipsociety.ca/
Health Canada for Aboriginal Preschool Children – https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/first-nations-inuit-heal…
First Nations Schools Association of BC – http://www.fnsa.ca/meet-the-schools-
Many Hands, One Dream – http://www.manyhandsonedream.ca/
Vancouver Native Health Society – http://www.vnhs.net/
Resources used when developing the “ABCs for New Parents book:
KidCareCanada Society
http://www.kidcarecanada.org/
Trustworthy videos and other resources for new parents and professionals that explain the importance of early nurture and show how to support social and emotional development in infants and toddlers. Many available in 11 languages.
Healthy Families BC
https://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/
parenting BC Ministry of Health online platform for healthy living supports, tools and resources parents need for every age and stage of their child’s development.
Baby’s Best Chance: Parents’ Handbook of Pregnancy and Baby Care
Currently being reviewed by the BC Ministry of Health
This easy-to-read handbook gives parents trustworthy information based on best practices and evidence, to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Child Health Passport
https://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/about-us/additional-resources#CHP
BC Ministry of Health publications that support health professionals and families to raise healthy children.
Toddler’s First Steps
Currently being reviewed by the BC Ministry of Health
Supports toddlers’ optimal growth and development, aged 6–36 months.
Aboriginal Infant Development Program
http://aidp.bc.ca
Supports early identification of needs and early intervention for Indigenous children and families at risk.
Aboriginal Supported Child Development BC
Recognizes the importance of cultural safety and early intervention. Supports the inclusion of Indigenous children with special needs in child-care and community settings.
http://ascdp.bc.ca
Association of Neighbourhood Houses BC
http://anhbc.org
Provides programs and services for all ages, nationalities and abilities in a welcoming atmosphere.
Anxiety Canada (formerly Anxiety BC)
https://www.anxietybc.com
A non-profit organization that promotes awareness of anxiety disorders and supports access to evidence-based resources and treatment.
BC Association of Family Resource Programs
http://www.frpbc.ca
A not-for-profit provincial organization. Promotes community-based Family Resource Programs (FRPs) where families access support and community resources.
BC Council for Families
https://www.bccf.ca
Celebrating the family’s uniqueness. Dedicated to education programs and resources that help families grow stronger and even more resilient.
BC Mental Health Support Line
310-6789 (do not add 604, 778 or 250 before the number) It’s free and available 24 hours a day.
Best Start: Healthy Baby, Healthy Brain
Government of Ontario resource supporting service providers who implement health promotion programs for expectant and new parents, newborns and young children.
Canadian Pediatric Society
https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/your_childs_development
Information for parents from Canada’s paediatricians on the topic of what to expect as your child develops.
Canadian Red Cross
https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification/course-descriptions/first-aid-at-home-courses/emergency-child-care-first-aid-cpr
Describes the elements of emergency child care and first aid and lets you find courses available in your location.
Centre for Child Honouring
http://www.childhonouring.org/
Founded by Raffi, Child Honouring is a children- first approach to healing communities and restoring ecosystems.
Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development
http://www.child-encyclopedia.com
Up-to-date scientific knowledge on early childhood development, from conception to age 5.
HealthLink BC
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca
Medically-approved information on over 5000 health topics, symptoms, medical tests, medications, and tips for healthy eating and lifestyle choices.
Non-emergency health information and services 24/7:Dial 8-1-1
For people who have a hearing barrier: Call 7-1-1 (TTY) Translation services are available in over 130 languages on request.
Heart-Mind Online
https://www.heartmindonline.org
Shares current research, scientific knowledge and best practices related to social and emotional development.
Here To Help
http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/workbook/coping-with-depression-in-pregnancy-and-following-the-birth
A resource for women wanting to learn self-help skills to prevent and manage depression during pregnancy and after birth. Provides trustworthy mental health and substance abuse information.
Immunize BC
https://www.immunizebc.ca
BC Ministry of Health, the Centre for Disease Control and regional health authorities collaboration designed to improve the health of British Columbians.
La Leche League Canada
https://www.lllc.ca/
Provides mother-to-mother breastfeeding support.
Parent-Child Mother Goose Programs
Provide a group experience for parents and their babies and young children. Focused on the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs, and stories.
http://nationalpcmgp.ca/programs/listing/#BC
Pacific Post Partum Support Society
http://www.postpartum.org
Free or low-cost programs for mothers experiencing difficulty with adjustment. Toll free telephone support available.
Lower Mainland: 604.255.7999
Outside the Lower Mainland: 1.855.255.7999
Perinatal Services BC
http://www.perinatalservicesbc.ca/
Perinatal Services BC (PSBC) provides leadership, support, and coordination for the strategic planning of perinatal services in British Columbia and is the central source in the province for evidence-based perinatal information.
Supported Child Development BC
http://www.bc-cfa.org/programs-services/supported-child-development/supported-child-development
Provides community-based services that enhance the quality of life for children, youth and adults with disabilities and their families. Facilitates and builds competencies and fosters inclusion in all aspects of life.
VictimLinkBC
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/victims-of-crime/victimlinkbc
A toll-free, confidential, multilingual telephone service available across BC and the Yukon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-563-0808. It provides information and referral services to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence.
VROOM
https://www.joinvroom.org
Using friendly and easy-to-understand language, and based on current research in neuroscience, VROOM shows parents and caregivers how they can make any of the moments they already share with their child brain-building moments.
Your Baby’s Development: Age-Based Tips From Birth to 36 Months
https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/series/your-child-s-development-age-based-tips-from-birth-to-36-months#birth-to-12-months
Age-based handouts including “what to expect” charts for each age range.
Your Local Public Health Unit
https://www.immunizebc.ca/finder
This site helps families find the health unit closest to them.
Zero to Three: Early Connections Last a Lifetime (Parent Resources)
https://www.zerotothree.org/early-development/ages-and-stages
Resource List to help you learn about the skills and behaviours you can expect from your baby from birth to age 3.
Additional Information at the back of the ABCs for New Parents book:
Early Intervention
If you have engaged in the nurturing behaviours described in this ABC, and after several months your baby is still not responding as you would expect, request a referral to an early intervention program from your health provider. There are excellent programs for you and your baby and early intervention changes lives!
Trauma
If you have experienced trauma, some parts of parenting may be even more challenging for you. Trauma can interfere with your ability to be emotionally present for many reasons. It can:
- lead to problems in regulating your own emotions, so you may struggle with sometimes feeling too numb and other times feeling too overheated with emotions
- cause unhelpful beliefs about your ability to cope, and your safety in the world, especially in connecting to others
- create excessive feelings of guilt or shame that may take away from giving yourself permission to take care of your own needs and ask for help
If you notice that the effects of trauma are causing difficulties for you and your baby, speak to a health professional you trust.
Dr. Joanna Cheek, MD, FRCPC, Assistant Clinical Professor, UBC Faculty of Medicine