Becoming parents

The arrival of a child is a major event in a person’s life. The intensity of your new parenting role can be both surprising and unsettling. Talk to other parents: they’ve all been there.

As a parent, you provide for your baby’s daily care, including feeding and changing their diaper. You make decisions and act to support your child and provide a safe environment. You manage family life, finding childcare, for example, or balancing work and family. All of these things help you meet your child’s needs.

As a parent, you also have responsibilities and obligations. Some responsibilities are legal, such as naming your child and ensuring their safety and well‑being. As a parent, you’re also responsible for transmitting your values to your child.

Parenting is a journey. Being a parent brings a multitude of new thoughts and emotions. You have beliefs and values that influence how you raise your child. Sometimes you will feel satisfied in your parental role, other times less so. Your experience will change as your child and family evolve and grow.

All parents take practical steps to care for their child, assume responsibilities, and experience a range of emotions on the way. However, the conditions in which you parent can greatly influence your parenting experience.