- Ahead of World Mental Health Day (10 October), new survey data from the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program reveals only one in 10 parents rate their emotional wellbeing as ‘very good’, while one in five have cut back on mental health support due to cost-of-living pressures.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows approximately one in 10 children aged four to 11 experience a mental health disorder, underlining the value of a whole-family approach to wellbeing.
- Triple P International Country Director Carol Markie-Dadds emphasises that when parents feel confident and capable, children are more likely to thrive emotionally, socially, and developmentally.
- Triple P recommends five simple steps to strengthen family wellbeing: letting go of perfection, establishing everyday routines, taking time for self-care, reaching out for help, and creating moments of family connection.
- Evidence-based programs such as Fear-Less Triple P Online offer free support for parents and carers of children experiencing anxiety, helping families recognise concerns early and build emotional resilience without stigma.
Ahead of World Mental Health Day (10 October), new survey data from the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program reveals only one in 10 parents rate their emotional wellbeing as "very good", while one in five have cut back on mental health support due to cost-of-living pressures.
Triple P International Country Director, Carol Markie-Dadds, said the findings highlight the challenges facing many families while reinforcing the important role parents' mental health plays in raising happy, resilient children.
“Parents are carrying a huge mental load right now, juggling rising costs, housing pressures, work demands, and concerns about their children's safety and wellbeing, often while putting their own needs last," Ms Markie-Dadds said.
“When parents and carers feel confident and capable, children are more likely to thrive emotionally, socially, and developmentally. The entire family benefits,” she said.
The findings come as Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows around one in ten children aged four to 11 experience a mental health disorder, highlighting the value of a whole-family approach to wellbeing.
"The good news is there are practical, evidence-based programs that can help families identify concerns before they become a bigger issue, build parents’ confidence and skills to navigate challenges as they arise, and boost relationships, resilience, and wellbeing across the whole family,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.
The 2026 World Mental Health Day theme, Together We Thrive, is a reminder that reaching out for assistance from trusted services, family, friends, and the local community can help build stronger families.
Programs like Fear-Less Triple P Online provide free, evidence-based support for parents and carers of children experiencing anxiety, helping families recognise concerns early, seek help without stigma, and build emotional resilience.
Queensland father Johnathon Cain balances raising his nine-year-old son as a sole parent while navigating an acquired brain injury and other health challenges, giving him firsthand insight into how access to support services such as Triple P can strengthen parental confidence and improve family wellbeing.
“Mental health for parents, especially those of us with complex disabilities, and those raising neurodivergent children is too often overlooked. We carry burdens unseen. We need understanding, and accessible support. Not pity, not pressure.”
“Strength isn’t about never feeling tired or overwhelmed; it’s about showing up anyway, loving deeply, and asking for help when you need it,” Mr Cain said.
Triple P’s five simple ways to strengthen family wellbeing
- Let go of perfection – Focus on progress, not perfect parenting.
- Establish everyday routines – Consistent mealtimes, bedtimes and morning routines can help reduce stress.
- Take a few minutes for yourself – Small acts of self-care can boost wellbeing.
- Reach out for help – Friends, family and community care can make a big difference.
- Create moments of family connection – Even brief, focused family time helps strengthen relationships.
“Making simple changes to routines, along with encouraging children to contribute around the home, not only helps children develop independence and resilience but can share the load while creating a calmer and more positive family environment,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.
"Positive mental health grows through connection, care and strong relationships. If we want children to thrive, we want to make sure parents and carers have what they need to thrive too."
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, Disability and Ageing under the Parenting Education and Support Program. Parents and carers can access free, online parenting support 24/7 at triplep-parenting.net.au
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About us:
About Triple P International:
- A Certified B Corporation™ headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, Triple P International (TPI) is a social enterprise creating global positive social change by disseminating the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program® and putting evidence-based parenting in the hands of every parent.
- Triple P is ranked by the United Nations as the world’s most extensively researched parenting program and is backed by four decades of ongoing research.
- Triple P has helped millions of children and their families and has been translated into 23 languages other than English.
- Worldwide, more than 114,580 practitioners from over 80 countries have participated in Triple P training.
- The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program was created by Professor Matt Sanders and colleagues from The University of Queensland’s Parenting and Family Support Centre.
- Triple P is typically implemented by government bodies across regions/countries and is supported by federal and state governments in Australia. For more information on TPI, visit triplep.net
Contact details:
For further survey information, case study images and media enquiries, contact Triple P International Global Public Relations Manager – Cate Kennedy at 0477 286 557 | [email protected]
