Palaszczuk Government delivers free support for Queensland parents

The Palaszczuk Government is sending the message to Queensland parents that it’s okay to ask for help on the one-year anniversary of its successful Triple P Parenting program.

Minister for Child Safety Shannon Fentiman said more than 20,000 Queensland families have received free parenting advice and a helping hand since the program started.

“We started this free initiative because we want to support some of Queensland’s hardest workers – Mums and Dads,” Ms Fentiman said.

“The Triple P Parenting program provides tips on managing kids’ behaviour, balancing work and family and the best ways of raising happy, confident children.

“It draws on the vast experience of world-renowned parenting expert Professor Matt Sanders and his Triple P team, to give Queensland parents a helping hand to positively manage the pressures of raising a family.

“Of course, not every parent may need support, but we want them to know that it is okay to ask for help.

“We are committed to making sure all Queensland mums, dads, grandparents and caregivers have easy access to high quality parenting support if and when they need it.

“The great work of Triple P Parenting really enhances our focus on prevention and early intervention for families by providing services and support to keep families at home together safely, whenever possible.”

Ms Fentiman joined Triple P Ambassador and Brisbane Broncos Captain Corey Parker and Professor Sanders at the Botanical Gardens prior to a seminar at Logan tonight to mark the first anniversary of the program.

Parker, a father of four, said seeking parenting help was nothing to be worried about.

“Having kids brings a lot of joy to your life but there’s no doubt parenting can also be frustrating and challenging at times,” he said.

“It makes sense to learn as much as you can about how to raise a happy, resilient family so you can prevent small issues from becoming major problems.”

Professor Sanders said Triple P’s evidence-based strategies helped parents positively manage their children’s behaviour as well as their own stress levels.

“Clinical studies consistently show children raised in a calm, consistent and positive home environment are more likely to succeed at school, have better jobs, experience more positive relationships and enjoy better mental and physical health,” Professor Sanders said.

“Parents who do Triple P are also more likely to have lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress, so there are plenty of good reasons for parents to learn more about the benefits of positively parenting their children.”

The Palaszczuk Government committed $6.6 million over two years to ensure families across the state have free, universal access to the Triple P program.

The range of support includes an online program, topic-specific seminars, parent discussion groups and one-on-one consultations as well as more intensive, small group-based and individual programs.

For more information about the Triple P programs or to find a session near you, visit http://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/

Immediate Triple P help is available by phoning Parentline on 1300 30 1300 (from 8am – 10pm) for the cost of a local call.

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