UNICEF Parenting

UNICEF Parenting is a free resource from the United Nations Children’s Fund that gives parents practical articles and advice on raising children at every age, from pregnancy and early childhood to the teenage years. What sets it apart is that its content draws on the organisation’s experience and on specialists in child health, development and learning, written in plain language for families rather than in complicated academic terms. At a time when social media is full of contradictory advice, it helps for parents to have a trustworthy source to turn to.

What you will find

• Articles on the stages of child development and what to expect at each, and how to support learning and play.
• Advice on children’s and teenagers’ mental health, and dealing with anxiety and difficult feelings.
• Topics on learning and study, reading with children, and getting ready for school.
• Guidance on children and technology: screen time, online safety, and dealing with games and social media.
• Advice on nutrition, sleep and general health – and on parents looking after themselves too.

The articles are organised by topic and by the child’s age, and the content is updated regularly to address issues families face today, so parents find short, practical answers without reading long books.

Who it suits

It suits parents of children of all ages, and it is also useful for teachers and counsellors who work with families. The main content is in English, in easy, direct language, and UNICEF publishes much of its material for families in other languages on its regional websites, including Arabic.

How to use it, step by step

1. Start with the section that matches your child’s age, rather than moving randomly between articles.
2. Choose one topic that concerns you now, such as screen time or difficulties with studying, and read about it with focus.
3. Write down one practical idea to try this week, then notice its effect.
4. Discuss what you read with your partner or a family member, so you agree on one approach.
5. Come back to the site at each new stage of your child’s life, such as starting school or the beginning of adolescence.

Before you start

General advice is useful, but it does not replace consulting a doctor or specialist when something about your child’s health or behaviour worries you. For parents interested in teaching their children future skills, the Badr Academy Education website offers a dedicated parents’ page, and the “Find your path” tool to build a suitable learning plan for a child. The content and its rights belong to UNICEF.