Support for families

Parenting programmes

A family of two adults and two children smiling at the camera.

A range of parenting programmes and courses are available for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 16 years. The courses are free for parents of children living or attending school in Edinburgh. Some courses require an application form.

Solihull online courses for parents

The Scottish Government is currently funding access to online courses for parents and carers. The following free courses are available for parents/carers in Scotland:

  • Understanding Pregnancy
  • Labour, Birth and your Baby
  • Understanding your Baby
  • Understanding your Child
  • Understanding your Child with Additional Needs
  • Understanding your Teenager's Brain
  • Understanding your Brain - Teenagers only

Courses are available in different languages. Enter the code TARTAN via this website

Raising Children with Confidence for parents and carers of 0 to 11-year-olds

This is a six-week course, suitable for all parents and carers. Drawing on the latest research, it promotes positive emotional health and well-being and explores ways parents can make a difference in their children’s emotional well-being and mental health. Courses are held in some primary schools and community venues.

For more information email

supportingparentsandcarers@edinburgh.gov.uk 

Incredible Years for parents and carers of three to five-year-olds

This is a 14-session course for parents who would benefit from support to strengthen their relationship with their child and encourage positive behaviour. Participants explore effective strategies to manage common childhood behaviour problems such as aggressiveness, tantrums, shouting, answering back and refusing to follow rules. Specially trained group leaders will work with parents and carers on their goals for themselves and their families. Groups are delivered in different areas of the city. 

Find information on the groups running in your area

Apply to attend an Incredible Years group

Primary Triple P for parents and carers of six to 10-year-olds

This eight-session course is for parents and carers who would benefit from support to strengthen the relationship they have with their child and encourage positive behaviour. Parents explore strategies to manage common behaviours such as aggressiveness, tantrums, shouting, answering back and refusing to follow rules. The course is delivered in group sessions or online with the support of trained facilitators to work with you on your own and family goals. We can discuss what suits you best when you apply.

Find information on the groups running in your area 

Apply to attend a Primary Triple P course 

Raising Teens with Confidence for Parents and carers of 11 to 16-year-olds

This is a six-week course suitable for all parents and carers. It explores how adults can support their teenage children to navigate increasing independence; develop confidence, security and resilience; and promote and benefit from emotional well-being. The latest research on what helps support emotional well-being throughout life is used. This includes adolescent brain development, risk-taking behaviour, importance of communication, and stress's effects. Courses run in some Edinburgh secondary schools and community venues.

For more information email

supportingparentsandcarers@edinburgh.gov.uk 

Teen Triple P for parents and carers of 11 to 16-year-olds

This is an interactive course for parents who would benefit from support to strengthen the relationship they have with their pre-teen/teenager and cope positively with adolescent behaviour issues. The courses allow parents to explore ways to positively manage conflict, and emotional behaviours and help their teen stay safe. We are currently offering an online course with online group sessions and face-to-face groups. Parents are supported in the groups by our trained facilitators. The course is delivered over six to nine sessions. We can discuss what suits you best when you apply.

Find information on the groups running in your area 

Apply to attend a Teen Triple P group