Support for parents/carers of teenagers.
Select 'View all services' to see everything available to support families with teenagers, or browse our highlights below.
Health and WellbeingFind details on health services listed on this website from local support groups to counselling, helplines and much moreFind out more LeisureDiscover family-friendly events, clubs for your teens and holiday activities throughout Cornwall. Find out more
Parenting ProgrammesParenting programmes are courses/groups that support you with some of the challenges of being a parent. We offer a selection of free courses, whatever the age or needs of your child.Find out moreEducationBrowse a range of learning opportunities for the whole family. Find out more
Your Local Family Hub Services and support for Families. Parent and toddler groups, parenting programmes, support and drop-in sessions.Find out more
Fun resources
Boredom Busters and Learning Resources for Young People
Boredom Busters.
85+ Self Care Ideas for Teens and Families
Young people told us that when they are struggling they are usually told to see a professional. They don’t often get much advice about how they could help themselves.
So, we spoke to professionals and looked at academic research. Then we drew up a list of strategies young people use (you can see the process in this self-care infographic). We also published a report following a consultation with young people and their families online.
Helpful Advice and Guidance
Free online courses for parents and parents to be - The Solihull Approach
How to access the courses
- Use the link below to visit the In Our Place website
- Click on 'Start Now' and add the access code 'TAMAR' for free access
- Fill in some details to create an account
What your teenager needs
Young people going through the process of adolescence need what they have always needed from their parents. They want your love, your support, your encouragement, your nurture, acceptance and attention.
Talking to your teenager
Getting teenagers to talk openly about what's bothering them can be hard. Follow these tips to help get them talking to you about their worries.
Spending time with your teen
We all know that as children get older it can become increasingly difficult to know what is going on in their lives and harder to stay close to them.
Teenage Behaviour Advice
Advice for families on behaviour.
Bullying on Social Media
With the increase of social networking sites, online activity and messaging apps, cyberbullying is on the increase.
Coping with your teenager
Teenagers' behaviour can be baffling, stressful, hurtful and often worrying. But in most cases it does not mean there is anything more serious going on than the natural process of becoming an adult.
Worried about someone else's drinking?
How to spot the signs, know what to say and what you can do to help.
Sexual behaviour in children
Advice for parents on healthy and unhealthy sexual behaviour in children and teenagers, including what to do if you're worried.
Talk to your children about sex and relationships
Children learn about sex from a very young age even if we don’t talk with them about it. Many of the things they learn are incorrect, confusing and frightening.
Talking about consent
As a parent it may not seem obvious that talking to your teenager about consent is necessary, but there are many reasons why it’s important to make sure they understand what consent means so that they don’t find themselves in a situation they don’t want to be in.
Empty nest syndrome
When a child leaves home, it can trigger a range of emotions in a parent - from pride and satisfaction to grief, sadness and worry.
Financial Support
Universal Credit
Universal Credit can be paid to top-up income from work or other benefits or if you have no other income. You do not need to work a certain number of hours to claim Universal Credit but you are expected to work or look for work as many hours as you are able to.
Child Benefits
You get Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is under 16 or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training.
Council Tax Support
Council tax support helps people who have no income or a low income to pay their council tax.
Need additional information?
You can find out more by using the link below.
Support for Disabilities
Support for parents with children who have disabilities:
Parents Carers Cornwall
Are you a parent/carer of a child with additional needs or disabilities? Do you attend meetings with schools, health services and organisations? Do you lack confidence in attending these on your own and wish you had someone who could go with you? Parents 4 Parents…07591 019548
Friends of Face2Face Cornwall Oasis Group
Are you the parent/carer of a child 0-25 with a disability or additional need? If so, please join us for a friendly chat with trained parent befrienders who can offer support and signpost. Also, meet with other parents/carers in a similar situation over a cuppa!
SEND Local Offer
Cornwall’s SEND Local Offer helps families by gathering in one place, the information that they need to know in order to make informed choices about the support they receive.
Cornwall's Max Card Scheme
The Max Card is the UK’s leading discount card for families of children with additional needs. Families can use their Max Card at venues across the UK to get free or discounted admission.
Support for parents who have disabilities:
The Special Parenting Service
The Special Parenting Service (SPS) supports parents with a learning disability or difficulty. Our team helps parents by providing specialist assessments and interventions to help them achieve their parenting potential and improve outcomes for their children. The service also provides specialist consultation to health and…01209 318358
Easy read information for parents with learning difficulties
Useful Apps
Handi app
The HANDi Paediatric app gives up to date advice about common childhood illnesses and how to treat them. It’s now available to download for free onto any Apple or Android smartphone or tablet. The app contains information about when and how to ask for help, along with what to expect when your child is being assessed.
Anything Missing
This information is a constant work in progress, please get in touch with us if there's anything missing.