The article deals with various aspects of changes in family life from the perspective of family needs that could be (partly) met by family centres. The authors focus on the notion of responsible parenthood and demands of protective childhood, the issue of the reconciliation of the family and work as well as the gendered distribution of the time intended for the family and household. Aspects of the use of various forms of day care for children and demands for occasional babysitting are also taken into account. Based on the relevant research data, in particular data from the first Slovenian survey on parents' needs regarding childcare and family life, the authors analyse challenges and issues regarding parenthood as perceived by parents themselves. In addition, use of the Internet (forums and Internet communities) as a new tool for acquiring information regarding parenting is discussed in comparison with classic face-to-face communities (such as family centres). The authors claim that, in light of the changes to family life, family centres represent a solution for parents (socialising, information, occasional child- care, voluntary work) and children alike (educational programmes, play, peer socialising etc.). In the context of the challenges of modern family life the article strives to point out various advantages of family centres as an informal "meeting point" for parents and children that is an alternative to (payable) formal forms of childcare-related services and private informal kin support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]