Low-data resources to empower parents in South Africa
Supporting you in the most precious task of all – raising your child
Evidence shows that caregivers who get parenting support are more likely to have happier homes and thriving children. Providing nurturing care takes time and resources that we don’t always have.
The low-data resources here are proven to support you at all stages of your child’s development – from pregnancy through to adolescence.
Pregnancy - 2 | MomConnect
Holistic care for the first 1000 days
Dial *134*550# to subscribe and receive parenting tips and reminders at all stages of your pregnancy and baby's development.
Pregnancy - 5 | Side-By-Side
Nutrition, love, protection, health & extra care
Join the national campaign supporting caregivers to provide children with the nurturing care they need to thrive.
>> Access videos >> Connect on Facebook
>> Download booklets >> WhatsApp chat
Birth - 4 | ECD Mobi App
Skills, nutrition, milestones, health, safety & play
Learn through play at home with access to fun activities, books and articles.
>> Download the ECD Mobi App
0 - 17 | ParentText
Self-care, managing stress, family budgeting, education, safety, positive relationships.
Interactive parenting ideas for all stages of your child's development - WhatsApp SUPPORT to 0832838620.
>> ParentText on WhatsApp
10 - 17 | ParentApp
Self-care, managing stress, family budgeting, teen safety, problem solving, coping with grief
A web-based resource for parents of adolescents. Access on-demand resources and log positive parenting behaviours as you customise your experience.
>> Visit ParentApp
Empowering parents
We know that working hard and raising a family isn’t easy. The nine-to-five is tough enough, and then there are lifts to school, nappies to change, homework and online behaviour to manage.
But we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Raising children is the most precious job we have and, with the latest evidence, we now know the full importance of positive parenting and nurturing care not only for a child’s development but for families, communities, and the globe.
Children who receive positive parenting are more likely to develop stronger social skills, emotional resilience and academic success. Studies have shown that children raised in nurturing environments are less likely to engage in risky behaviours such as substance abuse or delinquency. In fact, research suggests that every dollar spent on early childhood interventions delivers a 13% per annum return on investment through improved educational outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Parenting resources and support programmes also contribute to the overall wellbeing of families and greater satisfaction in parenting. Parents who participate in these programmes feel less stressed and improve their own mental health and relationships with their children.
South Africa has free and simple access to excellent, low-data, UNICEF-supported parenting resources – contributing to healthier families, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all.
You’ve earned it. The support you and your child deserve is here. Empower your parenting journey and make your mark for positive social change in South Africa and beyond.
