Ahead of this Father’s Day, Triple P parenting experts are encouraging Kiwi dads to focus on their mental health and wellbeing so they can provide a positive parenting environment for their children.

Triple P Country Director, Jackie Riach, said that fathers (and father-figures) are experiencing increased levels of anxiety and stress due to the pandemic and work-family challenges, which can in-turn, have a ripple effect on their families.

“Lockdowns, changes in employment, and financial strain are having a greater impact on family relationships than ever before,” Ms Riach said. “But, by looking after your own mental health and wellbeing, parents are better placed to provide their children with a calm, low-stress environment with plenty of positive interactions.”

“Fathers don’t have to be perfect and that’s ok, but by role-modelling resilience and acknowledging that sometimes life may be uncertain, dads will be showing their children the coping skills needed to manage the ups and downs of life.

“Research shows that children who grow up in a family where fathers actively participate in parenting and provide a more positive approach to parenting are more likely to develop better language, social and relationship skills¹,” Ms Riach said.

“We know that talking about parenting struggles can be daunting for some dads – that’s normal. The Triple P Parenting Program^® gives dads the confidence to know that they’re not alone and provides them with practical strategies to raise resilient children.

“Father’s Day is a great time to think about building a more enjoyable family life and finding positive parenting support.

“It’s also a really nice time for families to develop their own fun and sometimes silly, family traditions such as having a family talent show or recreating your own childhood photos with your children – and don’t forget to extend that to whanau and other father figures in your life,” she said.

Triple P’s Top Five Tips for a Fun, Loving Father’s Day

1. Be kind to yourself – you don’t have to be the perfect dad
2. Share your fatherhood journey with your family – children love hearing stories that involve them
3. Take care of yourself and look after your own needs too
4. Plan some low-cost, low-key activities like participating in family Olympics events or a family movie with snacks
5. Take some time to smile, laugh and enjoy the small things with your family

“Parenthood isn’t always easy but should still be enjoyable. So, this Father's Day, as well as wishing dads a Happy Father's Day, let’s provide the positive parenting support to make this a reality,” Ms Riach said.

Kiwi parents and carers of children aged 0-16 can access Triple P’s online courses, including the free guide to parenting during COVID-19 and their newest program Fear-Less Triple P Online, at www.triplep-parenting.net.nz.

-ENDS-

Media Contact: Cate Kennedy, Public Relations Manager, Triple P International– 0477 286 557

 1 Breiner H, Ford M, Gadsden VL, editors. Parenting Matters: Supporting Parents of Children Ages 0-8. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2016 Nov 21. 2, Parenting Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK402020/