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Bringing Up Great Kids

CfC FP ObjectiveHealthy young families
Supporting families and parents
Create strong child-friendly communities 
Delivered toVulnerable or at-risk parents of children aged 0-12
Delivered byParenting support workers, therapists/counsellors, community workers and other professionals working with vulnerable families. 
Delivery settingCommunity-based
Program developerAustralian Childhood Foundation 

About the program

The program uses mindfulness and reflection to assist parents in examining and improving their communication and exchanges with their children so that they may foster more respectful and positive interactions, which support children’s development and positive identity. Works to address the sources of parents’ negative or unhelpful attitudes.

Program structure

The 12-hour program is designed to be delivered in 6 x 2 hour sessions, but if required could be adapted into:

  • 4 x 3 hour
  • 3 x 4 hour
  • 2 x 6 hour.

Evaluation and effectiveness

A mixed method evaluation was conducted across 16 Australian sites and included 94 parent participants. Participants reported having a greater awareness of how their upbringing impacted on their responses and behaviours towards their children and of being more mindful, calm and better listening in their interactions. Parents reported positive changes in their lives such as less conflict and greater calmness in their homes and more positive interactions with their children.

Reference

Hunter, C., Meredith, V. (2014). The utility of a reflective parenting program for parents with complex needs: An evaluation of Bringing Up Great Kids. Melbourne: Australian Institute of Family Studies. 

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