News & events

Parenting blog

Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions) (Scotland) Bill

10 December 2019

Read one parent's experiences of the transition process and why she is supporting the Bill.

Rights of Children and Young People with Learning Disabilities

20 November 2019

SallyAnn Kelly reflects on the rights of children in Scotland and what needs to be done to ensure children and young people with learning disabilities can realise their rights.

"I know there are lots of single parents out there but it’s as if we are invisible “

13 October 2019

The risk of poverty for children is not shared equally. Children of single parents; BME children, the children of migrant parents, disabled children have an increased risk of living in financial hardship and that simply isn’t right.

Poverty and families with disabled children?

12 October 2019

Austerity, changes to the welfare system and cuts to local services have all had an impact on the lives of the families affected by disability.

Addressing poverty in Scotland is everyone’s concern

11 October 2019

One quarter of all children in Scotland are living in poverty. That is nearly 250,000 children. As I write this today, there are 10,000 more children in Scotland living in poverty than there were last year.

Could your family stay together if someone went to prison?

10 October 2019

Good practice in relation to family contact in prisons exists, but it varies across the country, and the poorest families do not always have the opportunity to benefit from this.

Recognising the role of community in supporting families experiencing food insecurity

8 October 2019

Food Families Futures is a project within Children in Scotland. It exists to address food insecurity but also to help establish family support around that.

Families in poverty need better support

7 October 2019

PAS manager, Clare Simpson calls for a better understanding and increased support for families in poverty.

Two year old blog

5 July 2019

Too many children living in poverty fall behind before they reach their third birthday, and critically even before they’re entitled to early learning and childcare.

Invest in relations-based whole family support

18 October 2018

As part of the Children in Scotland #25 calls, Clare Simpson, PAS manager argues that relationship- based family support should be available to all families when they need it.

How does providing support for young families affect children’s well-being?

21 June 2018

Findings from a recent study using Growing Up in Scotland data to explore the impact of support for parents on children’s well-being.

How well do we prepare young children for the move to primary school?

20 February 2018

A mother talks about her daughter's experience of starting primary school.

Who do you want to provide your childcare?

7 February 2018

Jane Malcolm explains 'provider neutral childcare' and how, in principle, this should enable parents to have choices about the childcare they use.

Taking steps towards a more inclusive education system

22 January 2018

Cat Thomson describes how the 10 January 2018 was a significant day in the recognition of rights of children and young people with additional support needs.

Providing quality early learning and childcare

8 November 2017

Vicky Crichton makes the case for the need to maintain quality during the expansion of ELC hours.

Childcare for two-year-olds

10 August 2017

In this blog, Clare Simpson, PAS manager, looks at what two-year-olds need from early learning and childcare.

Childcare blog

10 May 2017

Clare Simpson, PAS Manager discusses the implications of the Scottish Government's Early Learning and Childcare extended offer.

Are fathers nowadays more included in maternity services?

25 January 2017

Thomas Lynch from Dads Rock talks about his recent experience of maternity services.

Open kindergartens in Norway and Sweden

12 December 2016

Kirsty, the Holyrood baby is six months old. How would her and her mum's opportunities and experiences differ if they lived in Norway or Sweden?

Equal protection from assault

5 December 2016

Clare Simpson, Project Manager, Parenting across Scotland makes the case for children having the same protection from assault as adults.

The childcare challenge

15 November 2016

Clare Simpson, project manager, Parenting across Scotland talks about her study trip to the Nordic nations. She explains how a continuum of support is realised that makes sense and supports families well.

Best, free parenting information in Scotland

31 October 2016

Welcome to Parenting across Scotland’s new website. There’s lots of good support and information available for mums, dads and carers.

Parenting - Sheena, Mum of 3 scallywags

26 October 2015

When I was asked if I would write a short blog post sharing what I am learning on my parenting journey I was not sure whether it was with a view to parenting a child with additional needs or just ‘normal’ parenting. You see, my youngest child, Andrew, has Down’s Syndrome and he has two big sisters.

Parenting - David Marshall, Dads Rock

23 October 2015

I’m so happy PAS have asked me to add my super tips to this campaign. Support and advice is key when bringing up kids of all ages, whether you’re a first time parent or parent to many kids. I hope my hints/tips work for you.

Parenting - Rosanne Cubitt, Relationships Scotland

16 October 2015

Communicating effectively is a deal breaker in all relationships - whether that's with your partner, your kids, your friends or at work.

Parenting - Cara Hilton, former MSP

13 October 2015

Working in politics while bringing up a young family isn't easy. Multi-tasking is the only option and keeping the kids involved is a great help. I have three children, aged five, seven and ten. Thankfully they're always keen to help out, happy to be out with me knocking on doors, attending constituency events and even making their own election posters.

Parenting - Mhairi Canning, Relationships Scotland

9 October 2015

I had wanted to be a mother for as long as I can remember. I found (and still do!) babies irresistible. The feeling of a baby's head nestling on my shoulder is one of my most favourite feelings in the world. It took on a whole other dimension when those little heads belonged to my own babies.

Parenting - Clare Simpson, PAS Manager

28 September 2015

"They don't come with an instruction manual," is the cry of many a new parent, grappling with sleep patterns, feeding routines, and how to keep their precious new bundle safe and well.

Parenting - Aileen Campbell, former Minister for Children and Young People

28 September 2015

My over-arching tip is that parents shouldn't be too hard on themselves. The first time you bring a new baby home is daunting, and of course it's a big deal. All parents want to do the very best they can, so many resort to trying to do things 'by the book'.

Parenting - Mark McDonald MSP

19 September 2015

I was delighted to be asked to put together a few thoughts and tips for parents, but also quite intimidated, after all what do I actually know about parenting that would be helpful or useful? I've outlined some thoughts below, I hope that they are in some way helpful!