Child and Family Queensland

In October 2026, the Australian Government is launching AusAlert, a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices.

It’s a fast and reliable way to help communities like yours be informed and better prepared during local and national emergencies.

It’s just one of the many ways the Australian Government and state and territory emergency services organisations are helping to keep Australians safer.

To learn more, visit: https://www.AusAlert.gov.au/alerts-explained

[Image description: [Image description: Promotional graphic introducing AusAlert, featuring Australian Government and AusAlert logos and a smartphone displaying a critical AusAlert notification on a blue screen.].

Holding your newborn safely is an important part of caring for them. Always support their head and neck, especially during the first 6–8 weeks when their neck muscles are still developing.

When picking up your baby, slide one hand under their head and the other under their bottom, then bring them close to your chest. Try different holds to see what your baby prefers, such as the cradle hold, shoulder hold, or belly hold for tummy comfort.

Remember, never hold hot drinks or cook while holding your baby.

Watch this video for step-by-step guidance! https://raisingchildren.net.au/grown-ups/fathers/getting-involved/how-to-hold-baby-dads.

[Image description: Illustration of two adults gently holding a swaddled newborn baby on the left side of a light blue background. On the right side, large white text reads “How to hold your newborn,” accompanied by a play button icon.]

You don’t need to have foster care all figured out.

The journey to become foster carers is clear and guided, there are flexible care options and services to support your family every step of the way.

Children and young people in care just need you.

Learn more about becoming foster carers by visiting www.qld.gov.au/fostercare.

[Image description: in front of a home, a family of four greets a young boy being led in by a smiling worker, holding his hand. The mother in the family kneels down, smiling at the boy.]

On 6 June, we celebrate QLD Day, marking the moment Queensland became its own state and separated from New South Wales.

This year, we’re celebrating everything that makes our state great and we want you to be part of it! There are plenty of ways to celebrate QLD Day your way.

Check out how you can get involved by searching 👉 ‘Queensland Day’ or visit qld.gov.au/qldday

[Image description: Bright orange background with bold yellow and maroon text reading “Celebrate Our State QLD Day, 6 June.” A search-style button says “Queensland Day.” Queensland Government and “Delivering for Queensland” logos appear along the bottom.]

Ever had a non-parent friend give you some interesting parenting advice? 🤔

Share the most memorable (or hilarious😂) comments you've heard from your non-parent mates in the comments below👇!

[Image description: Pink and mauve graphic with overlapping circles and the heading “things your non parent friends say…”. Surrounding quotes read: “I wish I could go on maternity leave. I could use a break.” “Must be so nice to have a cute little baby to stare at all day.” “I’ve heard you should just sleep when the baby sleeps.” “My kids will never throw tantrums in public.” “When I have kids, they’re never having screen time.” and “Can’t you just drop them at their grandparents?” The handle appears in the corner.]

What's the most memorable thing your non-parent friends have said? Let's hear those doozies - Drop them in the comments!

Sibling fights are a normal part of family life, especially among preschoolers. These conflicts can arise from competition for attention, toys, or space. While it’s natural for siblings to argue, parents can play a key role in guiding them towards positive conflict resolution.

Here are some practical tips to manage sibling fights:
🌻Stay calm: Your reaction sets the tone. Avoid yelling or taking sides.
🌻Separate and calm down: If emotions are running high, separate the children and give them time to cool off before addressing the issue.
🌻Teach problem-solving: Encourage your children to express their feelings and work together to find a solution.
🌻Set clear rules: Establish family rules about acceptable behaviour, such as no hitting or name-calling.
🌻Model positive behaviour: Show your children how to handle disagreements respectfully.
🌻Praise cooperation: Acknowledge and reward moments when your children play or resolve conflicts peacefully.

Remember, sibling fights can be an opportunity to teach valuable life skills like empathy, negotiation, and compromise. By staying consistent and supportive, you can help your preschoolers build stronger, healthier relationships with each other.

Learn more at: https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/family-life/siblings/handling-fights

[Image description: Blue informational graphic titled “How to manage your preschooler sibling arguments.” The graphic lists seven tips with flower-shaped bullet icons: “Stay calm,” “Avoid yelling or taking sides,” “Separate and calm down,” “Teach problem-solving,” “Set clear rules,” “Model positive behaviour,” and “Praise cooperation.” A faint line drawing of an upset face appears in the top right corner.

By teaching children at a young age what respectful behaviour looks like and what consent means, we can help shape the way they build connections in the future.

Respect is the foundation for all healthy relationships.

This Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, we encourage everyone to talk with children about respect, consent, and body autonomy.

With everyday interactions you can teach or show them what a healthy relationship is. It could be as simple as letting them know they can say no to a hug if they don’t want to do it.

To learn more about how you can help prevent DFV, visit www.qld.gov.au/dfvpmonth

[Image description: Graphic tile with header saying "Easy ways to teach respect and consent to children". Graphic purple speech bubble with text saying "Everyone has boundaries and you can say no." Graphic of upset child with text saying "It’s ok to talk about emotions and feelings." Graphic of child gesturing stop with text saying "No one should be able to touch you without your permission." Graphic of children talking with text saying "Handle conflict or disagreements respectfully." On the bottom there is a search pill with text saying "www.qld.gov.au/dfvpmonth"]

Sexting involves sharing sexual images, videos, or messages via phone or online platforms.

For many young people, it can feel like a way to:
📱explore relationships and intimacy
📱express affection or trust with a partner
📱fit in with peers or feel accepted socially and in some cases, young people may feel pressured to send explicit content to gain approval or avoid rejection.

Understanding why young people engage in sexting is the first step to addressing the issue. By fostering open, judgement-free conversations, parents and carers can help guide children and teens to make safer, more informed decisions.

For more information and support, visit Parentline at https://parentline.com.au/issues/sexting-and-its-impact-young-people or call 1300 30 1300.

[Image description: Graphic with the title “Sexting” and subtitle “Why young people do it,” featuring two blue silhouette figures facing each other, each holding and looking at a smartphone, on a light grey background.]