Triple P - Positive Parenting Program experts are encouraging Queensland mothers, grandmothers, and mother-figures to use this Mother’s Day (Sunday 8th May) as an opportunity to recognise the incredible impact they have on their children’s lives and reflect on what motherhood means to them.

Triple P International Country Director, Carol Markie-Dadds, said that Mother’s Day is significant not only because it’s a time to show and receive appreciation, but because on a deeper level, it’s a chance for us to think about what it means to be a mother or mother figure.

“Parents and carers are their child’s first teachers, and as such have the ability to create a loving and positive family where children feel safe and can thrive and develop resilience to deal with life’s ups and downs,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.

“It’s in the things we do every day, like showing them how much you care, loving them, and being a great listener that have a long-lasting effect on children - shaping their view of themselves and the world around them.

“Mother’s Day is a good time for mothers and mother figures to pat ourselves on the back and recognise the positive impact we have on our child’s emotional wellbeing and future life success.

“Triple P encourages mums and mother figures to take a moment away from the mental load that comes with parenting, and remember the fierce strength, miraculous persistence, and unconditional love that they’ve developed along the way,” she said.

“It’s also yet another occasion to remind ourselves that every parent needs support sometimes, and it’s okay to say, ‘a little help here, please!’, not just from the people around you, but from professionals and community support services who can help us be the parent we want to be.

“For some, Mother’s Day will be picture perfect, others not so much - that’s totally okay. When you and you your children look back, it will be the feelings you remember, not the specifics of the burnt toast or the flowers that have been ‘borrowed’ from the neighbour’s garden,” she said.

Queensland parents and carers can access free, online parenting support 24/7 at www.triplep-parenting.net.au. The available online programs are Fear-Less Triple P Online, Triple P Online, and Teen Triple P Online, plus a guide to parenting during COVID-19.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cate Kennedy, Public Relations Manager – 0477 286 557 or cate.kennedy@triplep.net