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'Halton Parents" opens the door to a new online community Parenting talk for ail sta( by Regional Chair Gary Carr Parenting is one of the most rewvarding experiences in life. It can also be one of the most cbaltenging. Tbat's wby Hatton Region bas launcbed HaltonParents,' a new online communify for paireits thît offers flhc latest in local parenting news, tips, beatb mnatters, evenfs in your community and mttcb more. It's a place for parents to talk directty witb an integrafed team of Public Healtb Nurses and Cbild Devetopment staff from across the Region, and to connect witb other parents about their parent ing experiences. The staff on this integrated teamn eacb specialize in a part icular stage of parenting to betp support any parent no mat fer the age of tbeir cbitd: " Planning parentbood, pregnancy and ftbe first year of a cbild's life " Toddter/preschoot - ages 1-5 " Etementary scboot years - ages 5-12 * I-figb scboot years (teenagers) - ages 13-18 Tbis team is frained in att aspects of bealfby cbitd developmnent, positive parenfing tecbntqu]Les, raising competent teenagers, mnental bealt issues, and mucb more, and cao also tink famities witb commnunify services wbenever tbe Region if self doesn't offer tbe kind of belp f bey need. TI-te Region, tbrotîgb ftbe Healt Department', and the Social and Cornmunity Services Departmnent, bas been offering free parenting services and support in many ways for years-face to face, over the phone or by e-mait-and now, witb HattonParents, tbey're bringing that work into the social media space tbrougb Twitter and a parenting blog, and also by linking directty to the parenting resources on tbe Region's website tbrougb www.haltonparents.ca, or e-mailing the team directly at battonparents©balton.ca. Staff at Halton also understand tbat protecting the privacy of every Halton famity is paramount in tbese kinds of discussions. Tbey also know that parenting is a personat journey for everyone and what works for some may flot work for others. So, whenever issues of a more personal nature corne up, tbe teamn is ready to take any discussion offline f0 ensure confidentiatity, while still ensuring a parent's needs are met. "Social media lias cspened rtp a new waV for us to coisisct witb tbe i esidents of t laitoi," said tDr. Bob Nosat, Halton's Medicat Officer of Healtb. "We hope that by offering another way for families to find us, we can build on our capacity to promote bealty growth and cbild development, andti elp create strong family units in I-lton." So foillow 'HaltonParents' in wbatever format works for you. We bope you'll join in tbe conversation wîth us. Halton ParentsHalton Parents 'HaltonParents' in its many formats - online and by phone: " Twitter (www.twitter.com/HaltonParents): tips, links, event announcements and more * blog (www.haltonparents.wordpress.colm): articles on a wide range of parenting topics " parenting website (www.haltonparents.ca): tips, health information and more for every stage of parenting " email (haltonparents@halton.ca): we'l respond to your parenting question or concern within 48 hours or Iess a Dial 311 or 905-825-6000 for parenting information or to talk directly with a Public Health Nurse: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Th einl uiiait fH o e 111Bre Rd . Oavile Onai L 3- ia 31 or 90 s85 s00 aTlre 1-6..44-56 :., 's 0-2-83 w .atnc W e e rfebck otc Aes atnt ac sshlo@ atn Meet the H alto nParents" teamn You can also check out www.haltonparents.ca for more details about each person. PreconceptionlPregnancy/ Early Years Anna Piercy: Public Health Nurse, Baby and Parent Health team; facîlitates Calling New Parents drop-in sessions and prenatal classes; mother of two young children. Karen Hay: Public Health Nurse, Preschool Team since 2004 with over 20 years helping families in various healthcare settings; accredited Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) practitioner; mother of two daughters LiIIy Sulug: over 18 years of nursing experience; Public Health Nurse at Halton Region, Preschool Team for over 10 years; work experiences include childhood asthma, school-age health and community development; mother of two young children School Years Kirsty Kohier: Public Health Nurse for over 20 years, with the School Team at Halton Region for over il; accredited Triple P practitioner; mother of two young men Erika Norris: Public Health Nurse, School Team since 2006; works with a number of elementary schools in Burlington, assisting them to create healthier school communities; accredited Triple P practitioner. Teens Meghann Foley: Public Health Nurse, Youth Health team for over six years, a passion for working with youth; mother of twin toddlers. Monique Leparskas: Bilingual in French and English; Public Health Nurse, Youth Health team, working for Halton Region since 2007; go-to person if you are looking to get connected to resources or services in your community. We also have expert staff resources available covering issues such as: *Mental health *Immunization *Child care " Children with Special Needs " Sexual health Halton Region Meeting Schedule Oct. 11 Offices closed for Thanksgiving There are no meetings for October Meetings can be viewed at www.halton.ca Please let us know as soon as possible if you will have an accessibifity or accommodation need at a Halfon Region hosted event or meeting. This page has been donated by this nemopaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to faxpayers. M