How do you prepare your child — and yourself — for one of the biggest parenting milestones so far: starting school?

Welcome to the final episode of Parents' Group, season 4 of It Can’t Hurt To Ask by Queensland Health. This week, your hosts Steph, Alex and Caitlin talk about what it means to send your little one off to school, whether they’re ready, whether you’re ready, or whether you're still figuring that out.

We’re joined by clinical nurse, Mel, who shares what school readiness really looks like (spoiler: it’s not about counting to 100) and how to navigate everything from routines and emotional independence to your own feelings of grief, pride and identity shifts as a parent.

You’ll also hear from Chris and Hannah as they thoughtfully prepare their daughter, who has ADHD, for her first year at school, and reflect on what they’ve learned along the way.

Resources:

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental wellbeing, support is available.

In an emergency always call Triple Zero (000).

The following services can provide help and counselling to you in non-emergency situations.

1. 13HEALTH: call 13 43 25 84 and talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline: call 1800 822 436 to speak with a trained counsellor about the first year of your child’s life.
3. Parentline: call 1300 301 300 for advice and counselling about any issue that affects you as a parent. Available from 6am to midnight AEST, 7 days a week.
4. Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA): contact PANDA on 1300 726 306 or chat online if you or your partner are feeling depressed, or you are struggling after the birth of your child.
5. Available from Monday to Friday, 9am–7pm.
6. MensLine Australia: call 1300 789 978 if you’re a man and have family or relationship concerns. Available 24 hours a day.
7. Lifeline: call 13 11 14 (24 hours a day) if you are experiencing a personal crisis or chat to a counsellor online.
8. Beyond Blue: call 1300 22 463 for broad mental wellbeing support or speak to a counsellor online.
9. Connecting2u: sign up for free text messages, support, info and tips for during pregnancy and after you have your baby.
10. ForWhen: call 1300 24 23 22. Available Monday – Friday 9.00am–4.30pm.
11. SMS4DADS: sign up for free text messages, support, info and tips – for dads and dads-to-be.
12. Raising Children Network: offers ad-free parenting videos, articles and apps backed by Australian experts.
13. Triple P – Positive Parenting Program: free parenting courses for parents and carers of children under 12.
14. Queensland Health Child Health Clinics: Child health services have clinics across the state to provide parenting information and support for families in Queensland. Free services may include nutrition, child growth and development assessments. You need to book an appointment for these services.

Disclaimer

The stories and conversations shared by the hosts in this podcast reflect their personal views, experiences, and opinions. They are shared for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Queensland Health does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the views expressed by guests and accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage that may result from relying on this content.

If you have questions about your health or treatment, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional.