Simple conversations to support dads’ mental health and kids’ wellbeing

This National Men’s Health Week (15 to 21 June), experts from Triple P – Positive Parenting Program are encouraging dads, granddads and father figures to embrace something simple but powerful: everyday conversations that support their own wellbeing and their family’s wellbeing.

Dr Alan Ralph, Triple P International Head of Training and Clinical Psychologist, said this comes at a time when many parents and carers are feeling increasing pressure from finances, work, and the demands of daily life.

Research from Equimundo highlights the scale of the issue, with men accounting for three quarters of suicide deaths and being less likely to seek support – particularly First Nations men, those in rural and remote communities, and LGBTQI+ people.

“These challenges aren’t happening in isolation. They’re playing out in homes across Australia, and children often feel the impact,” Dr Ralph said.

“For many dads, especially those who have grown up with the expectation to ‘just get on with it’, talking about stress or mental health doesn’t always come naturally. That can be even more true for older generations or those in rural communities, where talking about mental health isn’t as common.”

“Whether they’re new dads or further along their parenting journey, this can leave many feeling isolated or carrying the burden alone without being asked about their mental health and wellbeing,” he said.

“Low-level feelings of stress, worry or even guilt can be normal and often reflect how much parents and carers want to keep their children safe.”

“But if negative thoughts start to build, this can be a prompt for positive action. It helps to pause and reframe them: ‘I’ve got this, it doesn’t have to be perfect’, ‘Plenty of other dads are figuring this out too’, ‘Worrying won’t help, what can I do about it?’”

“Small steps, like starting a conversation, reaching out to a mate, or connecting with a loved one can also reduce anxiety and help parents feel more in control,” Dr Ralph said.

Positive parenting phrases that support mental health

Triple P’s three simple phrases to help parents talk about their feelings and model healthy coping strategies:

• “I had a stressful day, how about you?” – acknowledges feeling overwhelmed and shows children it’s okay to talk about stress.
• “I might need a bit of help with this” – normalises reaching out and reinforces that no one has to manage everything on their own.
• “This is tough, but we’ll get through this” – provides reassurance and models calm, helping build children’s confidence and resilience.

“When parents and carers model healthy ways of handling life’s ups and downs, it supports their own wellbeing while helping children learn how to understand and manage their emotions,” Dr Ralph said.

Queensland dad Andrew Boniface, father of twin nine-year-old daughters, knows how easily men can focus on work and providing for family while overlooking their own wellbeing. With more than 15 years in aviation, he’s seen how stress and fatigue affect how men show up as fathers and partners.

“As dads, many of us believe we need to have all the answers and stay strong. But I’ve learned that strength isn’t carrying everything alone – it’s about being honest when things are tough, staying connected to those around you, and doing things that fill your cup,” Mr Boniface said.

“Throughout my parenting journey, I’ve realised that when we’re stressed, tired or overwhelmed, we tend to react instead of respond. Sometimes the most important and powerful thing we can do instead is have conversations about our experiences,” he said.

“The best gift we can give our kids isn’t perfection but showing them how to be human. When we talk openly and handle challenges in healthy ways, they learn too.”

Dr Ralph added, “When stress or anxiety feels overwhelming, it can help to remember that you don’t have to manage it alone – support is available through a GP, a health professional, or evidence-based parenting programs like Fear-Less Triple P Online.”