The Parent Line's trained staff helps parents problem-solve and deal with child and adolescent behavior and development issues, but often they simply provide someone to talk to, according to program manager Heidi Tsuneyoshi.

"A lot of what we do is basically bring down the stress levels of the parent by just letting them talk," Tsuneyoshi said. "Referrals is a big component, but not most of it. There are a lot of places you can call just to get a number, but we like to accompany that with some time just to talk and get things out of their system. That's what helps a lot when you are really all pent up and have things on your mind."

The Parent Line gets an average of 20 to 30 calls a day asking or help or guidance, she said. During the holidays, many of the calls are people seeking financial help.

"We've had a lot of calls recently saying, 'I just became homeless so finding housing is my number one priority and to think about buying a gift is not even a possibility, so where might I be able to get a free gift for my child?' " Tsuneyoshi said.

The Parent Line has been in operation for 14 years and is funded by the state Department of Health's Maternal and Child Health Branch.

The Parent Line provides information on community resources such as parenting classes, support groups, play groups, social service agencies, breastfeeding resources and developmental evaluations.

The group also publishes newsletters for new mothers and children and has outreach services for parents.