Article by Bridgette Barrett

Whatever your parenting issues, there is sure to be a website specifially developed for you. From pre-conception advice, pregnancy support and birth preparation, through to managing toddlers and taming teenagers, the internet has something for everyone these days!

There are websites that focus on the first stages of parenthood – conception, pregnancy and birth. These websites, such as the Baby Website and Babyworld, offer a wealth of advice, which is particularly useful for first time parents. However, there are also sites created by companies, who have spotted the increased popularity of parenting websites. These are a vehicle to promote their product, but also provide parents with advice. Examples of these include Pampers Think Baby and Cow and Gate’s website.

As your child moves through the next stages of development, more general sites are available, often catering for parents-to-be, right through to teenagers. Websites such as Raising Kids, For Parents By Parents, Just Parents, Netmums and Mumsnet, deal with all parenting issues and dilemmas, whether it be potty training, getting back to work, or teenage stress due to exams. For some parents – including many of ouir Tish Tash Toys agents – parenting websites were the way that they found work at home opportunities.

However, there are also many specialist parenting websites that cater for particular groups. Although the websites mentioned so far are aimed at all parents and have sections for dads, they are often dominated by mothers. There are however, websites aimed at dads such as Dad and Dadtalk. For lone parents, there is Gingerbread and Lone Parents; for the parents of twins or multiple births there is Twinsclub. The number of sites seems endless, with Mother at Work, Mothers over 35, Green Parent and many more. There is even the backlash against other parenting websites in the form of the amusing Bad Mothers Club.

All these parents websites offer advice, reviews of products, and articles. However, their key feature is the discussion forums where parents can share stories and offer peer support. They offer a place where you can share your stories, successes, failures and fears in a safe and secure environment. Often, they provide the most important thing for a stressed parent: someone to talk to.

Looking for an extra income and want to be part of a supportive team, make new friends and start a new rewarding career? Our Tish Tash Toys agents have their own forum where they discuss work and everything else. Find out more about becoming an agent for Tish Tash Toys by visiting www.tishtashtoys.com