However, raising a family can be hard work. No-one knows the stresses you have in your life better than YOU. It could be health issues, work issues, mental health challenges or just being overloaded with too much to do. Our community is facing many challenges: the risk of unemployment, rising utility costs, distance separation from extended family and social isolation.

We don’t want you to feel you are doing it alone. This resource will direct you to government and non-government services and websites when you need those most.

We want to help celebrate your children in as many ways as possible. It could mean making time for short excursions to the river, the pool or our many parks. What about cooking with your children so they learn how to prepare healthy snacks and meals? It might mean taking the children and their bikes to our many trails – walking or riding is fun. Making time to be a family pays off with happy, exhausted children. Outdoor play helps build a connection with nature. It doesn’t need to cost money, but it will build you some family memories!

For inspiration go to:

• Nature Play SA www.natureplaysa.org.au for ideas and link to their Facebook for events.
• Playgroup SA www.playgroupsa.com.au for ideas and their magazine State of Play.

We believe that it is important for children to build strong, trusting relationships with the adults in their lives. Children are only young for a few short years so try to make the most of these years for yourself and your children. No matter what age your child – from conception onwards – children are our priority.

If you want to get involved in the Mid Murray Family Connections Network in your area please contact us. You know your community the best so we need local community members to help drive the work. However, you would not be on your own as we will be supporting you all the way.

We would love to hear what you think of our website.

Contact us at mmfcnetwork@mid-murray.sa.gov.au

Let’s ensure the children in the Mid Murray region enjoy positive wellbeing and emotional maturity.