To be the best parent you can be means loving and nurturing your child and making them safe. It also means looking after yourself, and knowing or building your support network.

It's very important that you also look after yourself.

	Have a space for just you. It's hard being a parent, and sometimes you need to have a space to call your own.
	Be smart enough to say "I don't know." It's okay to ask for help. Keep on asking until you get the help you need.
	Get lots of information so you have more ideas when making choices.
	Get to know other young (and older) parents. Share your concerns and laughter, let your kids play with each other while you visit, and trade baby-sitting with each other.
	Go outside for a walk. If there is no one to look after the baby, put the child in a stroller and go out together. The motion can be relaxing for the child, and the walk can be good for you.
	Plan your future. Set small goals, like what you want to do tomorrow. Set larger goals, like where you want to be in a year from now. With larger goals, you can set "Milestones" or mini-goals. This way, you map out step-by-step how to get to where you want to be.
	Make a list of resources who can help you out in a time of need. This can include parents, siblings, friends, relatives, and parenting services that may be available through local community resources. Post this list on the fridge or tape it to a door, so that you can refer to it quickly when you need it.