Triple P survey finds only 10 per cent of parents believe they’re doing a good job

Recent research commissioned by Triple P International has revealed some alarming statistics around the issues that are concerning parents in Australia. The research found that more than two-thirds (71 per cent) of parents in Australia would like to feel more confident in their parenting skills, and only 10 per cent believe they are doing a good job, creating concern in the parenting sector.

 

Anecdotally, there is an overwhelming desire to be a good parent but only one in ten parents (nine per cent) are currently using a parenting program, course or service.

 

Triple P International Country Director Carol Markie-Dadds said that, now Triple P Online programs are free for all families across Australia, this presents a real opportunity to address the lack of confidence parents are feeling and turn some of the concerning statistics around.

 

“Parenting isn’t easy, and now more than ever, parents and carers need ready access to proven support and resources that can help with a wide range of concerns,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.

 

“Our research revealed managing household budgets (64 per cent) and time with family (41 per cent) were the top two concerns for parents in Australia. Interestingly, women selected the household budget as their top concern with men selecting spending time with their family as theirs.

 

“With our economy set to worsen before it improves, concerns around managing household budgets are not likely to go away.

 

“So, when there’s extra stress on families and household budgets, being aware of emotions and having some positive strategies in place are more important than ever,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.

 

Triple P’s research also found that:

 

• 67 per cent of parents struggle with time management;
• 43 per cent of parents admit being unsure of action to take when children are misbehaving;
• 51 per cent are concerned about their children reaching their full potential; and,
• 39 per cent do not think their children are performing at their optimum level.

 

“The research illustrates how little confidence parents have in their parenting expertise,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.

 

“This is of great concern given the huge impact that our parenting approach and the family environment has on our children’s academic, social and emotional wellbeing. The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program provides the perfect opportunity for parents to ‘skill up’ and regain their confidence while implementing strategies to suit their own family.”

 

“Confidence that parents and carers have the skills and knowledge plays a big part in their approach and has a direct impact on creating a happy, stable and connected family unit,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.

 

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is a university-developed Australian program, backed by hundreds of research trials and proven by millions of parents around the world. Triple P has delivered positive outcomes for children and their families across Australia, and more than 30 countries around the world, for over 40 years. 

 

Delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program to parents and carers of children in Australia is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Parenting Education and Support Program.

 

Parents and carers can access free, easy-to-use, online parenting support 24/7 at www.triplep-parenting.net.au