Raising a Family
Staff Picks
Funny Books about Motherhood
We Recommend: Beyond the Birds and the Bees - For Younger Children
We Recommend: Beyond the Birds and the Bees - For Older Children
We Recommend: Beyond the Birds and the Bees - For Teens
We Recommend: Beyond the Birds and the Bees - For Parents
We Recommend: Healthy Eating and Physical Activity for Families
We Recommend: Surviving Parenthood
We Recommend: When the new baby comes
Popular parenting magazines you can borrow from the library include,
About Babies and Toddlers
At the Library
All About Babies
All About Toddlers
Picture Books About & For Toddlers
Sleep & Toddlers
Toddler Care: DVDs
Toddler Development
In My Community
Childreach : the early years last a lifetime
Childreach provides play-based learning programs for children from birth to six years and their families and support for parents, informal caregivers and licensed child care providers in home-based programs and Early Childhood Educators in child care centres.
Childreach Centre: 519-434-3644.
London Moms
This site has interesting links, an events listing, and forums to visit.
Middlesex-London Health Unit : creating a healthy community ... together!
The MLHU's homepage has an index to information and web site links on a large range of subjects such as breastfeeding, child safety, and immunization -- to name just a few.
London: 519-663-5317
Strathroy: 519-245-3230
New Parent Resource Guide - 0 to 6 years
This guide has names, addresses, phone numbers, and web sites for topics such as breastfeeding, feeding & first foods, child care, help & support, holistic care, programs & activities, safety, and special needs. Text can be displayed in 8 other languages besides English. Search the province or region (South West Ontario) or city (London, St. Thomas, Goderich, Stratford, and Woodstock).
Ontario Early Years
The OEY Centres promote early learning & literacy for parents and any children up to the age of 6. They also provide community information and assistance with parenting skills. All programs and services are free. Call a centre near you in London:
OEYC-London West: 519-473-2825
OEYC-London Fanshawe: 519-455-2791
OEYC-London North: 519-434-3644
Thames Valley Children's Centre
Thames Valley Children's Centre is the regional rehabilitation centre for children with physical disabilities, communication disorders, and developmental needs. Information sections include About Disabilities, Family Resources, News & Events, and Referrals. 519-685-8680
tykeTALK : talking starts early
tykeTALK provides speech & language services for children up to school age throughout London-Middlesex, Oxford & Elgin Counties. They offer workshops & information sessions. Their web site has a useful language development checklist. Call them if you have any questions about your child's language development. 519-663-0273.
Websites
CanadianParents.com : Canada's parenting community
This Rogers Publishing group site has message boards, blogs, interesting articles, podcasts, "Ask an Expert" question & answer boards, recipes, and ideas & tips for parents, families, and professionals.
FamilyInfo.ca : "your first step for your early years information needs"
This site provides parents, caregivers and service providers with web site links to programs, services & resources in the London and Middlesex area for children aged 0-6 years.
About Preschoolers
At the Library
Books about preschoolers
In My Community
Childreach : the early years last a lifetime
Childreach provides play-based learning programs for children from birth to six years and their families and support for parents, informal caregivers and licensed child care providers in home-based programs and Early Childhood Educators in child care centres.
Childreach Centre: 519-434-3644
Middlesex-London Health Unit : creating a healthy community ... together!
The MLHU's homepage has an index to information and web site links on a large range of subjects such as animal bites, dental health, and child development -- to name just a few.
London 519-663-5317
Strathroy 519-245-3230
Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario
The LDAO provides information and support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals. The LDAO - London Region can be reached at (519) 438-6213. Ce site est disponible en français.
Ontario Early Years Centres
The OEYCs promote early learning & literacy for parents and any children up to the age of 6. They also provide community information and assistance with parenting skills. All programs and services are free.
Call a centre near you in London:
OEYC-London West: 519-473-2825
OEYC-London Fanshawe: 519-455-2791
OEYC-London North: 519-434-3644
Thames Valley Children's Centre
Thames Valley Children's Centre is the regional rehabilitation centre for children with physical disabilities, communication disorders, and developmental needs. Information sections include Information Resources, Our Services, News & Events, and Referrals.
519-685-8680.
tykeTALK : talking starts early
tykeTALK provides speech & language services for children up to school age throughout London-Middlesex, Oxford & Elgin Counties. They offer workshops & information sessions. Their website has a useful language development checklist. Call them if you have any questions about your child's language development: 519-663-0273
Websites
CanadianParents.com : Canada's parenting community
This Rogers Publishing group site has message boards, blogs, interesting articles, podcasts, "Ask an Expert" question & answer boards, recipes, and ideas & tips for parents, families, and professionals.
FamilyInfo.ca : "your first step for your early years information needs"
This site provides parents, caregivers and service providers with web site links to programs, services & resources in the London and Middlesex area for children aged 0-6 years.
London Fire Services: teaching children fire safety
Information about teaching children fire safety, safety tips for babysitters, fire department contacts and more.
Ministry of Children and Youth Services
This site describes the Ministry's programs and services such as Best Start, the Ontario Child Benefit, and Licensed Child Care. The Preschool Speech and Language page has speech developmental milestones for babies and preschoolers in 16 languages. Ce site est disponible en français.
Sparky the Fire Dog
A website designed for children that uses games to teach them about fire safety.
About School-aged Children
At the Library
Child Development
About boys
About girls
In My Community
Investing in Children
Investing in Children is a London-based not for profit that works with community partners to identify gaps and create unique opportunities for children and families. Their many projects include Kids First Day, Book Camp London, Art with a Heart, Homework Clubs, Blue Boxes for Books, and Roots of Empathy. 519-433-8996
Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario
The LDAO provides information and support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals. The LDAO - London Region can be reached at (519) 438-6213. Ce site est disponible en français.
London Children's Connection
London Children's Connection is a non-profit, family-focused organization which provides high quality child care/early education programs and related services for children and their families in London and surrounding area. Their programs include I'm Home, Montessori Preschool, and their School Age program. You can e-mail inquiries online. 519- 471-4300.
Middlesex-London Health Unit : creating a healthy community ... together!
The MLHU's homepage has an index to information and web site links on a large range of subjects such as physical activity, food & nutrition, and infectious diseases -- to name just a few.
London 519-663-5317
Strathroy 519-245-3230
School Age Resource Guide - 3 to 18 years
This site has contact information for resources in areas such as child care, help & support, holistic care, programs & activities, safety, and special needs. Search by postal code, region, or city.
Thames Valley Children's Centre
Thames Valley Children's Centre is the regional rehabilitation centre for children and young people with physical disabilities, communication disorders, and developmental needs, located in London, Ontario. It provides assessment, diagnosis, consultation, and therapy. Site information sections include Information Resources, Our Services, News & Events, and Referrals. 519- 685-8680.
Websites
CanadianParents.com : Canada's parenting community
This Rogers Publishing group site has message boards, blogs, interesting articles, podcasts, "Ask an Expert" question & answer boards, recipes, and ideas & tips for parents, families, and professionals.
It Starts with You. It Stays with Him.
The White Ribbon Campaign is a non-profit organization that focuses on challenging men to speak out, educating young people through direct youth engagement, raising public awareness about gender-based violence, working in partnership with women's organizations, and supporting campaigns around the globe to create a future with no violence against women.
Ministry of Children and Youth Services
This site describes the Ministry's programs and sevices. There is information on such topics as school snacks & meals, getting financial help, and special needs. Ce site est disponible en français.
Public Health Agency of Canada
This government site provides information on a wide range of topics including chronic & infectious diseases, travel health, immunization & vaccines, emergency preparedness & response, health promotion, and injury prevention. Includes an A-Z index. Ce site est disponible en français.
About Teens
In My Library
Books and videos about parenting teens
Teen Health and Wellness
Teen Health and Wellness: Real Life, Real Answers is a comprehensive database that allows teens (and those who care about teens) to research health-related issues important to their well-being.
Remote access available. [Rosen]
In My Community
Hope's Garden
Dedicated to helping people with eating disorders, their family and friends.
London Anti-Bullying Coalition (LABC)
The London Anti-Bullying Coalition is an independent non-profit, educational organization which strives to foster a culture of fairness, respect and equality for all students in every school; thus eliminating the problem of bullying.
Middlesex-London Health Unit: Parenting Teens
Created to help parents promote wellness and prevent disease and injury.
Mind Your Mind
mindyourmind.ca is an award winning site for youth by youth. This is a place where you can get info, resources,and tools to help you manage stress, crisis, and mental health problems. Share what you live and what you know with your friends. Reach out. Get help. Give help.
Websites
End Abuse - Teens and Partner Violence
The Family Violence Prevention Fund works to prevent violence within the home, and in the community, to help those whose lives are devastated by violence because everyone has the right to live free of violence.
Media Awareness Network
Practical tips for helping parents manage media in their home.
NetSmartz Workshop
Communication is an effective tool for parents and guardians when helping their children avoid the dangers that exist on the Internet. NetSmartz provides on- and offline learning activities for parents to facilitate discussions with their children and teens about Internet safety.
Sexuality and U
This site is committed to providing credible. up-to-date information and education on sexual health. The site is made possible with the guidance and collaboration of a team of distinguished Canadian medical organizations and is administered by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
Teen Depression
Prevention, detection, and causes.
Teen Life Stages - thehealthline.ca
Health services for Southwestern Ontario.
Youth in Care
A non-profit charitable organization run by and for young people who are or have been in the care of child welfare authorities across Canada.
Adoption
At the Library
Books and other resources about adoption
Picture Books about adoption for children
Chapter Books about adoption for children
Websites
Adoption Council of Canada : Canada's waiting kids
The Adoption Council of Canada (ACC) is the umbrella organization for adoption in Canada. 613-235-0344
Adoption Council of Ontario : creating the voice of adoption in Ontario
The Adoption Council of Ontario is a non-profit charitable organization that educates, supports, connects, and advocates on behalf of those touched by adoption in Ontario by providing information, programs, and resources. 416-482-0021
Canadian Adoptees Registry Inc.
This site is a reunion registry, allowing people to search and register (Canadian adoptions only).
Ministry of Children and Youth Services
This site has information about how to adopt a child in Ontario and searching for adoption information in Ontario. Ce site est disponible en français.
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Ontario's adoption records are now open. Visit this site for more information about the right to information and privacy. Ce site est disponible en français.
Baby Names
At The Library
Websites
BabyHold
In addition to the usual lists of names and their meanings, read articles on subjects such as name trends, unique spellings, and ideas on finding a name. Consult with other parents using the online forum.
BabyNames.com
Allows you to search for baby names using the basic or advanced screen or to browse names by letter or origin. Features include most popular names by year, celebrity baby news, expert services, fun stuff, and shopping.
The Baby Name Wizard
Created by the author of the book The Baby Name Wizard, this website is a "buyer's guide" to baby names. Its unique feature is a graph that charts name popularity from the late 1800's. Also includes a blog,
Bullying
At the Library
Resources about bullying for children and parents
Resources about how to prevent bullying
Resources about bullying for teens
Cyberbullying
Picture books for younger children with stories about bullying
In My Community
London Anti-Bullying Coalition : many voices, one vision
The LABC is an independent, non-profit organization, which strives to foster a culture of fairness, respect and equality for all students in every school, thus eliminiating the problem of bullying. The founders are concerned mothers in London who were brought together by the tragic commonality of their children being bullied while in school. The site has an on-line newsletter and stories of interest. There is also a list of upcoming events and a page of related links.
Websites
Anti-Bullying Network
Established by the University of Edinborough in 1999 and continuing to operate as a charity, the anti-bullying network website provides great information for parents and kids on dealing with bullying.
Family Web Watch
Family WebWatch is a source of internet safety information that can reduce risk in falling victim to such things as cyberbullying, pedophiles, phishing, pornography, spyware, identity theft and more.
Kids Help Phone
Kids Help Phone is Canada's only national, bilingual, 24-hour, toll-free confidential and anonymous phone and web counselling, referral and information service for children and youth between the ages of five and 20.
Family Activities
Check out the wonderful resources that London Public Library can offer you. Books, videos, storytimes and play areas await!
At the Library
Books about crafts and how to do them
Books about reading instruction for young children
In My Community
Adventures on Wonderland
A fun room for toddlers, bouncy maze for older kids, and arcade playroom, this facility is a fun way to spend the day, and maybe even have a birthday party!
Childreach
Indoor playroom for children aged 0-6yrs, with storytimes, crafts and toy library.
For information about lessons, activities and sports, try this great site for families.
Fleetway Bowling
Indoor mini golf, rock climbing and 5 or 10 - pin bowling fun for the whole family.
London Children's Museum
A day of fun for little ones, the Children's Museum offers interactive play areas and exhibits.
Palasad
Ten pin bowling, good food, and an arcade for family fun.
London's newest indoor playground. Don't forget your socks!
Gay and Lesbian Parenting
At the Library
Books about children of gay or lesbian parents
Picture books about gay fathers
Picture books about lesbian mothers
In My Community
Pride Library, UWO
Although not everyone can borrow from this collection, anyone can search online.
Websites
Adoption Council of Ontario : creating the voice of adoption in Ontario
The Adoption Council of Ontario is a non-profit charitable organization that educates, supports, connects, and advocates on behalf of those touched by adoption in Ontario by providing information, programs, and resources. 416-482-0021.
American Psychological Assocation - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Concerns
This web page contains the publication, Gay & Lesbian Parenting, useful for clinicians, researchers, students, lawyers, and parents involved in legal and policy issues related to lesbian and gay parenting.
Housing and Mortgages for Gay and Lesbian Couples
The website will help to explain the different approaches that same-sex couples can take to getting a mortagage, establishing home ownership, and creating legal documents that anticipate and legal or property-ownership issues that might occur if the couple breaks up or one partner dies.
LGBTQ Parenting Connection
The LGBTQ Parenting Connection is a network of organizations supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer parents, their children and their communities.
Lesbian.com
The site provides an extensive list of websites that provide parenting and family support and information for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered parents.
Home Schooling
At the Library
In My Community
A Different Drum: Homeschoolers of London Ontario
An informal network of home-based educators offering shared activities and events. The information can be found on the Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents page.
Websites
Canadian Home Based Learning Resource Page
A very up-to-date site for homeschooling parents. Offers links to sites specific to Ontario.
Discovery School.Com
Includes many curriculum resources.
Homeschool World
Features an online homeschool library and subject experts.
Independant Learning Centre - Ask a Teacher
Created by TV Ontario, the Independant Learning Centre features online chat with teachers for help in all subjects at the high school level.
Ontario Curriculum links
Here you'll find curriculum documents and exemplars spanning Kindergarten to Grade 12. The achievement charts provide guidelines for assessing students' work.
Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents
A provincial homeschool group that provides support to homeschool families and information on home-based education.
Learning Disabilities
Library Technology for Children with LD
Did you know ... that majority of our locations have Kidspiration on their research machines?
- a software program geared for children in kindergarten to grade 5
- helps kids visually plan and organize their written work graphically
- ideal for children with expressive written language disorders and adhd
- telephone the location nearest you for more information.
Did you know ... that the second floor at the Central Library has a variety of Assistive technology for free use in-library such as Inspiration, Kurzweil 3000, WordQ and Dragon Naturally Speaking? See the full list of Central's technology.
At the Library
General Books about learning disabilities
Books and more about learning disabilities and education
Books and more about ADD and ADHD
Books and more about Autism and related spectrum disorders
Books and more about Central Auditory Processing Disorder
Books and more about Down's Syndrome
Books and more about Dysgraphia
Books and more about Dyslexia
Books and more about Gifted Learners
Books and more about Language and Speech Disorders
Books and more about Non-verbal Learning Disabilities
In My Community
Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario
The London location of the LDAO offers a lending library and workshops for parents and children.
Thames Valley Children's Center
Thames Valley District School Board
An overview of the special education services and procedures for assessment and review in the public school board.
Websites
Ability OnLine Support Network
Dyslexia Canada
In addition to assessment and research information, this website has suggestions for teaching the dyslexic student.
The International Dyslexia Association: Ontario Branch
LD OnLine
Non verbal Learning Difference Network
An excellent collection of articles on a variety of NLD's, including dyscalculia, expressive language (writing) and central auditory processing. Information on children with dual exceptionality, gifted and LD, is also available.
Ontario Ministry of Education - Special Education
Learn about the rights and responsibilities of students with learning disabilities and schools. Information about I.P.R.C. (Independant Placement and Review Committee) and I.E.P's (Individual Education Plans).
Great Schools: Special Education
An incredibly comprehensive site for learning about different learning challenges, related topics such as self-esteem and transition planning and message boards where you can communicate with other parents and caregivers. Highly recommended.
SNOW - Special Needs Ontario Window
Provided by the Adaptive Technology Centre at the University of Toronto, you'll find information about different adaptive technology options. In addition, SNOW offers online courses for a minimal fee.
Pregnancy, Childbirth and Postpartum
At the Library
Books and Videos/DVDs about Childbirth
Books about Nutrition
Books for Older Mothers
Books for Teen Mothers & Fathers
Books about Pregnancy
Books about Pregnancy Complications
Books and Videos/DVDs about Breastfeeding
Books and Videos/DVDs about New Mother Health
Books and Videos/DVDs about Newborns
Books and Videos/DVDs about Postpartum Depression
In My Community
Birthright International
Support, information, and referrals for girls and women distressed by an unplanned pregnancy. Free services include pregnancy testing; adoption information; legal, medical, educational referrals; maternity and baby clothing.
Childreach
Childreach is a drop in centre where you and your child and drop by, play and meet other caregivers and their children. They also have storytimes, a toy lending library and bring in professionals regularly to answer your questions about your child's development.
London Moms
"An interactive community for parents and caregivers in London and area". A very useful resource, this website includes links to events, community organizations, forums, classified ads, shopping, and more!
Mama Assist
Mama Assist provides doula services in the London area, supporting women during pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum. Their website features announcements, articles on various topics, and breastfeeding information.
Middlesex-London Health Unit
The local public health unit offers a wealth of information about pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. Learn about prenatal classes and fairs, find help for postpartum depression, get support for parenting your children, and much more!
Mother Reach London & Middlesex
A community of organizations and professionals who educate and provide support to women and their families who are at risk for postpartum depression or who are suffering from it.
mycommunityinfo.ca: having a baby
mycommunityinfo.ca provides access to community and government information for London and Middlesex County. Speak to staff at their service desks located in London or visit the website for lists of local resources.
New Parent Resource Guide
Also available in print format, this London-based guide is a helpful reference tool for new parents, covering a variety of child-related topics. It includes many local resources, important facts and tips, handy charts, and great websites.
Ontario Early Years Centres
Ontario Early Years Centres provide information and services for parents and their children up to six years of age - free! Take part in a range of activities, find answers to questions, and talk to early years professionals. Click on the Locations link to find a Centre in your community and view its calendar of events.
Thames Valley Midwives
A local source for midwives, serving London and nearby counties. Check them out online to learn about their services, midwifery, and pregnancy nutrition. Their website also provides links to related information.
Womancare Midwives
Looking for a midwife? Try this local practice. Their website describes midwifery care and the services they offer and also links to helpful community resources.
Websites
Canadian Parents
An Internet community for parents, this comprehensive website is dedicated to those with a "passion for raising their children well". Find a wealth of information plus message boards, blogs, podcasts, recipes, and an "Ask An Expert" link.
Caring for Kids
Developed by the Canadian Paediatric Society and designed to provide reliable information about children's health and well-being. Topics include immunization, healthy eating, keeping kids safe, behaviour and development, and teen health. A "Front & Centre" section features current issues such as product recalls.
Childbirth.org
Kegel exercises, birth plans, epidurals, a cesarean fact sheet, and so much more. Click here to find an abundance of information about the basics of pregnancy and childbirth. Submit a question or read Q&A's on the "Ask the Pros" page.
Family TLC
What is normal behaviour for a new baby? Learn how to enhance your relationship with your new baby and enjoy this brief period.
La Leche League Canada
Get breastfeeding help, learn about breastfeeding and the law, find local support, connect with other mothers via online forums, and click on links to other useful websites.
Lamaze International
The mission of Lamaze is to promote, support, and protect normal birth through education and advocacy. Use their website to find a certified provider and class, sign up for a free newsletter, read pregnancy and birth resources, and even watch a live birth.
The Period of Purple Crying
Tips on how to soothe a crying baby. Research results show that inconsolable crying is a stage of development for many, if not most, babies.
Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome
Damage to a young baby's brain can happen easily. Read this information about dangerous signs that your baby may exhibit. Shaken Baby Syndrome is 100% preventable.
Safe Kids Canada
The National Injury Prevention Program of the Hospital for Sick Children. This website provides parents with practical and reliable solutions to keep kids safe. Topics include water safety, passenger safety, home safety, sports, travel, playgrounds, wheeled activities, and much more.
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Separation and Divorce
At the LibraryFor you:
Books about Joint Custody of Children
Books about Part-time Parenting
For your Children:
Books for young Children about Separation and Divorce
Books for school-aged Children about Separation and Divorce
Books for teens about Separation and Divorce
Websites
Dealing with Separation and Divorce
Included in the ontario government's Life Events guides, this page provides information to help you understand the legal issues and processes of separation and divorce in Ontario and includes practical information about child support, name changes and remarriage after divorce. Aussi disponible en français.
Getting Divorced
This brochure was produced by Community Legal Education Ontario and provides answers to questions about the process of getting divorced in Ontario. En français.
Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General
Find legal and family justice information about the processes of separation and divorce from the Ontario ministry of the Attorney General. Aussi disponible en français.
Summer Camps
At the Library
In My Community
City of London Spectrum
For neighbourhood day camps in the London area, this comprehensive listing of activities available locally offers up to date information.
Discovery Western
A day camp offered by the University of Western Ontario with a focus on science and engineering activities.
Girls LEAD
Offered at Brescia University College, this camp for girls in grades 2 - 7 is a "is a fun, action-packed program focused on self-discovery, positive relationships, healthy living, and the exploration of leadership skills and concepts."
Sport Western
The University of Western Ontario offers a variety of sports-oriented day camps for children to build skills in swimming, volleyball, basketball and more.
YMCA Day Camps
There is a large selection of activity or theme based summer day camps for children at the London YMCA.
Websites
Canadian Summer Camps
To try sleepaway camps, this site gives information about two established camps, Camp Onondaga and Camp Kadalore, located near Toronto.
My Summer Camps
An interacitve site that allows you to choose by location, activity, age and sex of your child.
Camp Kee-mo-kee
Located minutes from London, this traditional sleepaway camp features great storytelling, campfires, trails and fun!
Camp Summit
Information about Camp Summit, located in Whistler, British Columbia.