Skip to content
logo_australian-government-department-of-health-disability-and-ageing.svg
Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile.
Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.
  1. Home/
  2. Parenting and family/
  3. Family and siblings

Find a health service

Search now

Family and siblings

Children grow up in different structures such as nuclear families, blended families, rainbow families (same sex parents), single parents and extended families creating different family dynamics. As your family grows there are other things to consider such as introducing toddlers to a new baby or new pet, organising childcare or preparing for school and travelling with children.

Blended families and step-parents

Blended families are formed when parents form a new relationship and move in together. Given time, energy and care, blended families can work well.
Learn more

Co-parenting

Co-parenting is when separated parents share raising their children after a breakup. Learn about parenting plans and how to resolve disagreements.
Learn more

Having difficult conversations

When you are having difficult conversations, it can help to stay calm and respectful. Learn more about how to calmly raise concerns and find solutions.
Learn more

Helping your child through divorce

Most children, with the right support, will manage during a divorce or separation. Here are some tips to help your child through this challenging time.
Learn more

Raising a child when your family is overseas

Raising a child and building family relationships over distance can be hard. Learn where to get support and how to involve family who live far away.
Learn more

Relationship breakdown and divorce

Relationship breakdown and divorce can be hard for both you and your child. Learn how to help your child live between two households.
Learn more

Same-sex parents

Many Australian children live in rainbow families with same-sex parents. Find out more about becoming a same-sex family and the supports available.
Learn more

Single parenting

Being a single parent can be hard, but there are ways you can ensure your children grow up healthy and well-adjusted, while looking after yourself.
Learn more

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?
1800 882 436
Video call
logo-pbb.svg

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is funded by the Australian Government and operated by Healthdirect Australia.

About
About Pregnancy, Birth and BabyAbout our contentInformation partnersOur privacy commitmentTerms of useHow we use AIPromotional material
Explore
A to Z topicsDue date calculatorFind local health servicesGlossary of pregnancy and labourPregnancy and parenting in picturesPregnancy and baby appsSymptom Checker
Connect
Contact usVideo callNewslettersLink to usConsumer engagement

Follow

logo_dep-health_white.svglogo-hda-white.svg

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby’s information and advice are developed and managed within a rigorous clinical governance framework.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

© 2026 Healthdirect Australia Limited

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.
The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.
Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.