Aboriginal - support

Aboriginal; support; family; problems; anxious; alcohol; drugs; feelings; listen; trust; worry ;

"Mum; I'm old enough to move out and get a place of my own."

"What for... where you going to go?"

"Thinking about sharing a flat with friends."

"Alright then, maybe I can help you get some stuff together, let's talk to Auntie, she might be able to help. Maybe she can help you with some furniture and I can help with baby for a little while... unna?"

"Yeah, thanks."

Everyone needs some sort of support at some time in their lives.

As a parent you will experience a lot of different emotions, which can sometimes leave you feeling lost.

You might have times that are so bad you can't look after your family or it stops you being a good parent.

An important part of our family life is our respect for our family, and how much we value the people in it, and the support we get from each other.

If you are frustrated, frightened or anxious, remember that no-one is perfect and that all parents feel this way sometimes. All parents make some mistakes along the way. It's okay to make mistakes, but it is important to learn from them and try to do things differently next time.

Things that can cause worry

• not having a job
• sickness in the family
• housing problems - including moving house
• death
• problems that come with drug and alcohol abuse
• no-one around for support when you need help
• feeling low, or having no confidence, not feeling good about yourself
• problems in your relationships (with partner or other family members)
• big changes in your life (marriage, separation from loved ones, kids leaving home or family breakdown).

Things that might help

• Know that good and bad feelings are normal for most parents.
• Tell yourself that it's OK not to have all the answers.
• Give yourself a treat.
• Tell yourself that you are doing an important job.
• Pat yourself on the back for the difficult work you do through the day.
• Keep on asking for help until you find someone who really listens (there is always someone who can help us when we are down).
• Most of all trust yourself.

These places might be able to help you in South Australia

• Nunkuwarrin Yunti (08) 8223 5011
  http://www.nunku.org.au/index.php
• Aboriginal Family Support Services (08) 8212 1112
• Aboriginal Department of Health (08) 8226 6344
• Noarlunga Health Service (08) 8384 9266
  (Aboriginal Health Team)
• Northern Metro Community
  Health Service (08) 8182 9206
  (Aboriginal Health Team)
• Adelaide Central Community Health (08) 8243 5611
  (Nunga Health Team)

There is no shame in asking for support.

 

Written by Ingrid O'Loughlin and Parenting SA
Artwork by Ingrid O'Loughlin
Related Aboriginal Parent Easy Guide
     (Parenting SA website - PDF format)

The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).

This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.