This National Families Week (12-18 May), global parenting advocates from the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program are calling on the community to embrace this year’s theme, ‘Lending a hand to thrive: Supporting each other’ to build strong, healthy families.

Triple P International Country Director, Carol Markie-Dadds, said that the recent federal election highlighted the declining mental health and wellbeing of families as a result of ongoing financial pressures, housing insecurity, and social isolation.

“A 2024 Beyond Blue survey found that 1 in 3 parents reported poor mental health, including feeling unsettled or struggling,” Ms Markie-Dadds said. “Parenting stress is an ongoing issue, which is why parents and carers need to feel supported, now more than ever – by their communities and each other.”

Triple P’s National Parenting Pulse Survey also revealed that almost half (48%) of parents reported being dissatisfied with the amount of time they spend on self-care.

“Whether you’re a sole parent, have a new baby, lots of children, or have a child with disability or one who is neurodiverse, it can be difficult to look after your own needs and you may find it challenging to ask for or access help,” Carol said.

“Asking for help is a sign of strength, and parents and carers don’t have to navigate it alone.”

“By fostering a culture of mutual care, empathy, and collaboration, parents and carers will feel more supported and be better placed to create a positive, nurturing environment for their kids,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.

Families Australia CEO, Jamie Crosby, said this year’s National Families Week theme was inspired by the knowledge that family and community support is essential to our wellbeing, especially in challenging times.

“Small acts of support whether emotional, practical, or financial can make a real difference. The theme encourages people to reflect on the strength of their family bonds and the role we each play in helping those around us thrive. At its heart, it’s about showing that we are stronger when we support each other,” Mr Crosby said.

Triple P’s practical strategies to help families feel more confident, calm, and connected

1. Find your support network: If you can, reach out to friends, family, or community groups (online or in-person) for support in a way that works best for your situation. Whether it’s swapping childcare duties, sharing advice, or chatting with a loved one, even a small amount of support can make challenges feel more manageable and help families cope.
2. Add small daily habits to boost wellbeing: Looking after yourself doesn’t have to be a huge investment in time, energy, and resources. Little changes every day can add up. Waking in the morning before the kids to have a hot drink or some time on your own. Listening to a podcast on the way to work or to do the school/childcare drop-offs. Reading a book or watching funny videos after the kids are asleep. Doing one small thing for yourself every day can make a difference to your mental health.
3. Set realistic expectations: Be gentle with yourself by having a realistic outlook for what you can achieve at home or work – no one is perfect, and no one day will go exactly as planned. Try to focus on what’s working versus what isn’t. Keep in mind that progress is more important than perfection.
4. Be grateful for the good: Appreciating what we have and focusing on the positives can improve wellbeing and help feelings of being overwhelmed. Take the time to celebrate small ‘wins’. Whether it’s a moment of connection with your child, or a successful family dinner, recognising your achievements helps build confidence and a positive family environment.
5. Schedule in family time: Spending time with our family can make us feel closer and more connected. Think quality over quantity. Just 10 minutes of focused attention on our kids can help them feel loved and cared for. Try to do something you all enjoy. This could be playing a card game after dinner (they might even let you win!) or going to the local park on the weekend.

Thanks to Australian Government funding, more than half a million families in Australia have accessed Triple P’s free parenting support. The feedback from families who have used Triple P’s online programs is overwhelmingly positive − they feel calmer, more confident, and better supported in understanding their children's needs.