Financial Support in Pregnancy and in the Early Years
Healthy eating is important for you and your family. Money is available for pregnant people and for families with young children to help. Call 1-800-508-4788 or visit this Government of NL website for more information and to find out if you qualify.
Transitioning to school (KinderStart)
Supporting your child’s health and wellbeing: Transitioning to school (KinderStart) KinderStart is a program to help young children get ready for kindergarten. It supports your child’s health and well-being before they start school. As your child prepares for school, you might have questions about their health. Below, we’ve addressed some common concerns that families have. … Continued
Sexual health – young child (birth – 5 years)
Children pick up things quickly from their parents and the world around them. This includes words that family members and others use to refer to body parts, gender, and other topics related to sexual health. Even before they can speak and understand language, they notice how adults react to questions, emotions, and behaviours. These reactions help shape how … Continued
Childhood immunizations
Over the last 50 years, immunization has saved more lives than any other health intervention. Many of us don’t know what life would be like without them or why it is so important to continue to vaccinate. What is a vaccine? A vaccine consists of a tiny amount of dead or weakened germs which helps … Continued
Second-hand smoke
Each year more than 1,000 non-smoking Canadians die from second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke affects everyone. Those most at risk are babies, young children, those who are pregnant, and people with chronic illnesses. Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke while pregnant can affect the baby’s growth and development which may lead to low birth weight. Children … Continued
Screen time
Screen time is the time spent with any screen. This includes smartphone, tablets, gaming devices, computers and television. Screen time can occur during sedentary or active times. For more information on screen time recommendations see the Canadian 24 Hour Movement Guidelines
Physical activity for children (0-4)
Physical Activity for Children (0-4) Young children need to move, sleep, and sit for the right amounts each day to be healthy, grow and develop. The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years is a resource for parents, caregivers and educators to understand the recommended daily amount of each. Please visit CSEP for more detailed information.
Child safety
Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for children in Canada and a leading cause of hospitalization. Preventable injuries kill more Canadian children than any single disease. Many of these injuries are predictable and preventable. Everyone has a role to play in keeping children safe. Children are active, curious, and often excitable; these are all attributes … Continued
Child development
In the first few years of life, your child’s brain develops more than at any other time with more than one million brain connections formed each second. The quality of your child’s experiences during these early years helps to shape how their brain develops and sets the foundation for learning, how they get along with … Continued
Feeding your child
As your child grows from baby to toddler and then to preschooler, you may notice changes with their eating. Where they once were excited to eat and eager to try new foods, they may suddenly become more cautious and pickier. This shift may cause you to worry, but remember, it’s a normal part of your … Continued
Challenging Behaviours
When children bite, hit, or start to kick and scream in the grocery store, parents can find it very unsettling. A deep breath may be your first step. Keep reminding yourself that children are learning how to behave in acceptable ways. Their challenging behaviours are often a sign of their developmental level rather than spite. One way to deal with challenging behaviours … Continued
Parenting young children
Raising children to be well-rounded adults may seem scary at times. Keeping your child healthy and encouraging their development may feel like a lot to learn. The information in this section will help. Remember, what you hear from other parents, what you read, your own childhood experiences and your child’s temperament will affect the way … Continued
Parenting young children
Helpful tips for parents and caregivers of children
Last updated on: March 11, 2026
