HOW PARENT-BLAME MAY BE A POTENTIAL BARRIER FOR VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS – INCLUDING PARENTS AND POLICYMAKERS – TO READILY SUPPORT EVIDENCE-BASED PARENTING SUPPORTS
Fran Doyle, PhD
Aug 24, 2023
Societal blaming of parents and caregivers can occur at many levels including, within families, within the community, by the media, and in the delivery of public policy. This may include suggesting that parenting is the sole cause of problems – either for parents or with children’s functioning. Yet, research demonstrates that parenting is not the sole cause of these problems. It is therefore not accurate to consider parents to be blameworthy when caregivers and/or children are experiencing difficulties. Additionally, it is not helpful as blame may elicit negative feelings that may impede parents are caregivers participating in solutions. Whilst parents and caregivers may not be the cause of difficulties, they are able to be part of the solution. Parents and caregivers need to be empowered to access solutions to change parenting practices, such as evidence-based parenting supports, without blame.
About the presenter
Dr Fran Doyle is a clinical psychologist and researcher whose work aims to understand the development, prevention, and treatment of mental health problems in childhood and adolescence. Her research aims to understand the developmental pathways to wellbeing and mental health problems in young people, as well as understanding the important role that parents and children play in each other’s lives. Dr Doyle is a Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University. She is a member of the Parenting and Family Research Alliance, who advocate for policy change that supports access to evidence-based parenting interventions. She is also a member of Growing Minds Australia, the first national clinical trials network focussed on improving child and youth mental health.