Parenting course adapted for dads benefits the whole family

Participation in parenting programs has traditionally been more likely to involve women, but new research suggests adapting The University of Queensland's Triple P - Positive Parenting Program can increase fathers' engagement and benefit the whole family. Triple P founder and UQ Parenting and Family Support Centre Director Professor Matt Sanders said an adapted program had led to improvements in children's behaviour, in fathers' parenting practices and in family relationships. The adapted eight-week program has been trialled in New Zealand by University of Auckland researchers Dr Tenille Frank and Dr Louise Keown, with 42 families with children aged three to eight with behavioural difficulties. Mothers and fathers participated. Professor Sanders said parenting programs often involved women training other women to be better parents. "Ninety per cent of those who conduct courses are female, and mothers make up 70 per cent of attendees," he said. "This study shows that we shouldn't be blaming fathers for not attending parenting programs.