lifestyle
Edinburgh's 20 athletes represent Scotland at 2026 Commonwealth Games
Edinburgh parents can tap free local courses to build the same resilience and connections that fuel community pride ahead of the Games.
How we reported this
Twenty University of Edinburgh athletes will head to Glasgow next week to compete for Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games. Their preparation reflects the steady backing families receive in the city, where practical parenting programmes help strengthen daily routines and relationships.
The Games begin on July 23, 2026, and the timing draws attention to the everyday work of raising children in Edinburgh. Parents and carers often look for tools that support emotional health and clear communication at home. These skills contribute to the steady, connected atmosphere reported across many neighbourhoods.
Programmes running in Edinburgh schools and venues
Free courses run through primary schools, secondary schools and community sites across the city. Raising Children with Confidence targets parents of children from birth to age 10 and focuses on emotional wellbeing. Incredible Years works with families of three- to five-year-olds on play, praise and routines. Triple P serves parents of six- to 10-year-olds with strategies for handling tantrums and rule-setting. Raising Teens with Confidence and Teen Triple P address the 11-to-16 age group, covering independence, stress and communication. Seasons for Growth offers short sessions for parents of six- to 18-year-olds navigating loss or family change. All programmes are open to Edinburgh residents whose children live or attend school locally.
Accessing support and online options
Edinburgh City Council lists current groups on its parenting support page and directs residents to application forms for each course. An additional online library called Togetherness Pathways provides written modules on topics from antenatal care through to teenage years and adult wellbeing. Scottish Government funding currently covers access when users enter the code TARTAN on the Togetherness site. Details and bookings remain available through the council page at https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/support-families/parenting-support. Parents can also email engagingfamilies@edinburgh.gov.uk for Seasons for Growth dates.
With the Games approaching, many families report that structured support helps maintain calm and consistency at home. The council programmes supply the practical steps residents need to keep building that neighbourhood character.