Parenting
If you or your child are having medical concerns, contact your health care provider or connect with a registered nurse at Health811. For medical emergencies, call 911 or visit the closest emergency room.
Becoming a parent involves many stages of change and learning. Whether you're thinking about becoming a parent, currently pregnant, or already a parent, support is available for you.
We acknowledge that individuals of all genders and sexes may be in a caregiving, parenting, or a feeding relationship with a child. We recognize language is constantly evolving, and we strive to use gender-affirming language when talking about infant feeding and parenting.
Support for Parents and Caregivers
We provide parenting support and a variety of positive parenting resources to help local parents, caregivers and their children thrive. To speak to a nurse about pregnancy or parenting, contact the Family Health Information Line at 705-474-1400 ext. 5351, or email healthy.families@healthunit.ca.
The Basics Nipissing-Parry Sound
The Basics initiative consists of five science-based Principles for parents and caregivers to support their child's development. They are meant for all children 0-5 years old.
- Maximize Love, Manage Stress
- Talk, Sing, and Point
- Count, Group, and Compare
- Explore Through Movement and Play
- Read and Discuss Stories
They are free and don’t require fancy toys or extra time. It’s about how you use the time you are already spending with your children during everyday routines.
Why do The Basics Principles matter for children?
- 80% of brain growth happens in the first three years.
- The brain is 90% of adult size by age five.
- The Basics Principles encompass most of what experts say is important for development during the first years of a child’s life.
What is Basics Insights?
- A texting program for parents/caregivers with children between 0-3 years old.
- Designed to support your child’s growth and build your relationship.
- You will receive two texts a week:
- A science-based fact every Monday
- A fun activity to try every Wednesday
- Texts are personalized to your child’s age.
Visit our Basics Insights page to sign up today!
Learn More About Us
The Basics Nipissing-Parry Sound is a region-wide initiative run by a coalition of local organizations, including the Health Unit. Community partners across the region also support the movement and share The Basics Principles with families. Learn more at TheBasicsNPS.org.
Nipissing District
EarlyON Child and Family Centres provide free programs for adults and children 0-6 years of age to drop in, meet, share, play and find friendly support and information.
EarlyON - North Bay and Area
Early ON - North Bay Indigenous Hub
Phone: 705-995-0060
Email: earlyon@gmghub.ca
View the EarlyON North Bay Indigenous Hub Facebook page
EarlyON/On y va - West Nipissing
MotherCare
A warm and welcoming drop-in program for pregnant individuals and parents with infants up to 4 months old. Join us every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the Health Unit Teaching Kitchen for a nutritional breakfast, informative discussions, and hands-on food skills workshops. A supportive space to connect, learn, and nourish yourself and your growing family.
Phone: 705-472-0910
Email: more.info@parnipcas.org
Parry Sound District
Community Action Program for Children: Tiny Tots
Tiny Tots is a parent/child group offered at the Parry Sound Friendship Centre through the The Community Action Program for Children (CAPC).
Phone: 705-746-5970 ext. 111
Email: cpc@psfc.ca
View the Parry Sound Friendship Centre Facebook page
EarlyON Child and Family Centre
EarlyON Child and Family Centres provide free programs for adults and children 0-6 years of age to drop in, meet, share, play and find friendly support and information.
Phone: 705-746-9522 ext. 4350
Email: lwhetham@psdssab.org
View the EarlyON Child and Family Centres in the District of Parry Sound Facebook page
Great Beginnings
Programs support pregnant people and parents of young children 0 to 3 years of age with opportunities for play, resource sharing and parenting strategies.
Parry Sound: 705-746-4293
South River: 705-384-5225 ext. 2211
Email: greatbeginnings@handstfhn.ca
- AboutKidsHealth: A health resource for children, youth, and caregivers. Developed and approved by health-care providers at SickKids.
- Caring for Kids: Provides parents with information on their child’s health and well-being. Developed by the Canadian Paediatric Society.
- Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development: A collection of resources for the best evidence on childhood development.
- Harvard Centre on the Developing Child: Information on the science of early childhood brain development.
- The Basics: Activities and ideas for right now, to learn and grow together with your baby.
- Triple P Ontario: Reliable parenting tips, videos, blogs and more.
New Parent?
