Introducing "Families Under Pressure" - a new podcast series from the Life Course Centre. Search for Families Under Pressure wherever you get your podcasts.

We all have a history and draw our cultural heritage from our family of origin, and this is often a source of strength and connection in challenging times. This is a gift that we can pass on to our children for their own sense of identity and wellbeing. We can also model to our children how to be sensitive and celebrate and learn from cultural differences. Parenting and family psychology expert, Professor Matt Sanders, talks today with Aunty Chrissie Stewart, a respected Cherbourg Community elder and Manager of Community Health in the Cherbourg Health Service, about the importance of cultural connection for our personal wellbeing and for our multicultural society. To assist us in evaluating the helpfulness of the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast series, please visit https://pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic and follow the link to the research survey. The outcomes will be used to inform the development of future podcasts and improve the ways parenting support is provided to families. Resources: pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic

We’ve all heard the old adage, “it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” It’s true that children learn a lot more than physical skills when they are involved in sport… from setting personal goals to dealing with disappointment and being part of a team. Sport can be such an important part of children’s lives, and many have been missing it as sporting clubs and events have been put on hold during the pandemic. Today we have parenting and family psychology expert, Professor Matt Sanders, and Olympic and World Championship medal-winning coach and sports psychology and elite coaching researcher, Professor Cliff Mallett, here to share some great tips for returning to sport and helping children and families get the most out of it. Professor Matt Sanders is ready to answer your questions on the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast. Record your questions on your smartphone voice memo app and email them to [email protected]. You can ask for advice, parenting tips or share concerns about your children's behaviour. To assist us in evaluating the helpfulness of the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast series, please visit https://pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic and follow the link to the research survey. The outcomes will be used to inform the development of future podcasts and improve the ways parenting support is provided to families. Resources: pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has been disruptive to all of us, including our animals. They’ve had a lot more time with us, which many have thrived on and others may be a little exhausted. As we return to more normal routines it’s important to make a plan to help your animals, and your family, transition back to everyday work, school and other commitments. Today we have parenting and family psychology expert, Professor Matt Sanders, and child and family psychologist and researcher Dr Kylie Burke with us to share some great tips for helping children learn empathy and responsibility by taking care of family pets, and also what we need to do to look after our pets during this time. Professor Matt Sanders is ready to answer your questions on the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast. Record your questions on your smartphone voice memo app and email them to [email protected]. You can ask for advice, parenting tips or share concerns about your children's behaviour. To assist us in evaluating the helpfulness of the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast series, please visit https://pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic and follow the link to the research survey. The outcomes will be used to inform the development of future podcasts and improve the ways parenting support is provided to families. Resources: pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic

Music is known as the universal language, it is pervasive, all around us, and generally accessible to everyone. But you may not be aware of the many developmental and wellbeing benefits that music can support. During this time of COVID-19, when there might be some stress and anxiety in the house, and tension in family relationships at times, music is a wonderful parenting tool. Music can soothe, boost energy, and help families connect. Today we have parenting and family psychology expert, Professor Matt Sanders, and childhood social emotional development expert Associate Professor Kate Williams from the School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education at Queensland University of Technology here to share some great tips for helping families to use music to support their children’s wellbeing and family connections at this time. Professor Matt Sanders is ready to answer your questions on the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast. Record your questions on your smartphone voice memo app and email them to [email protected]. You can ask for advice, parenting tips or share concerns about your children's behaviour. To assist us in evaluating the helpfulness of the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast series, please visit https://pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic and follow the link to the research survey. The outcomes will be used to inform the development of future podcasts and improve the ways parenting support is provided to families. Resources: pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic

When things get stressful and challenging, what do you do? How do you relate to yourself? As parents, we are often our own worst critics, and can add to the stress by being judgemental about how we’ve handled things. If we’re feeling overwhelmed, like we’re not coping as well as other people, we may avoid doing things we need to do, use unhealthy coping strategies (like eating junk food or having a drink), and we may be more likely to ‘snap’ and take out our frustrations on others. So, how can we take care of ourselves to make sure this doesn’t happen? Today, parenting and family psychology expert and founder of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, Professor Matt Sanders, talks with clinical psychologist and compassion researcher, Dr James Kirby, about some helpful parenting tips for being mindful and compassionate during these challenging times, to help you be calm and consistent and available for your child. Professor Matt Sanders is ready to answer your questions on the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast. Record your questions on your smartphone voice memo app and email them to [email protected]. You can ask for advice, parenting tips or share concerns about your children's behaviour. To assist us in evaluating the helpfulness of the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast series, please visit https://pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic and follow the link to the research survey. The outcomes will be used to inform the development of future podcasts and improve the ways parenting support is provided to families. Resources: pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic

We’ve all been aware that one of the most vulnerable groups during this pandemic is the elderly. While they have been advised to stay at home for their own safety, this has meant social isolation for many. Grandparents can play such an important role in children’s lives, but right now, we have to find the best ways of staying in touch and keeping them safe. We can also enlist their support to help children navigate what is happening in the world, and enrich their grandchildren’s lives in so many ways. Parenting and family psychology expert, and founder of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, Professor Matt Sanders, is back to talk with us today about watching out for grandparents – helping them stay healthy, happy and connected with family and friends. Professor Matt Sanders is ready to answer your questions on the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast. Record your questions on your smartphone voice memo app and email them to [email protected]. You can ask for advice, parenting tips or share concerns about your children's behaviour. To assist us in evaluating the helpfulness of the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast series, please visit https://pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic and follow the link to the research survey. The outcomes will be used to inform the development of future podcasts and improve the ways parenting support is provided to families. Resources: pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic

The last few months have created some unusual challenges for couples. Different family routines, fewer opportunities to go and have fun, plus worrying about work and finances means we may have neglected the most intimate relationship of all – the one we share with our partner. When day-to-day life is stressful, we can take out our stress on those closest to us and even take each other for granted. But parenting is much easier when parents look after their relationship as a couple, support each other and work as a team. Today we have parenting and family psychology expert, Professor Matt Sanders, and couple relationship expert Professor Kim Halford with us to share some great tips for taking care of intimate relationships and supporting your partner. Professor Matt Sanders is ready to answer your questions on the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast. Record your questions on your smartphone voice memo app and email them to [email protected]. You can ask for advice, parenting tips or share concerns about your children's behaviour. To assist us in evaluating the helpfulness of the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast series, please visit https://pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic and follow the link to the research survey. The outcomes will be used to inform the development of future podcasts and improve the ways parenting support is provided to families. Resources: pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic

For children to thrive, they need calm reassurance from the adults around them. Helping every child have a safe harbour is always important, particularly where parents share caring responsibilities across two households - due to separation or divorce. But the same messages apply to any family where there is more than one person in a parenting or caring role. Today we’re discussing some helpful tips about managing shared parenting at this time with parenting and family psychology expert, Professor Matt Sanders, and Professor Daryl Higgins, Director of the Institute of Child Protection Studies at the Australian Catholic University, whose research has focused on public health approaches to protecting children. Professor Matt Sanders is ready to answer your questions on the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast. Record your questions on your smartphone voice memo app and email them to [email protected]. You can ask for advice, parenting tips or share concerns about your children's behaviour. To assist us in evaluating the helpfulness of the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast series, please visit https://pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic and follow the link to the research survey. The outcomes will be used to inform the development of future podcasts and improve the ways parenting support is provided to families. Resources: pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic

Having our routine altered throughout this period of changing school and physical distancing guidelines can have an impact on everyone, but it can be especially difficult for children with developmental disabilities or complex needs. Unpredictability can really affect children who rely on routine, and parents can feel out of their depth as to how to help them manage these constantly changing times. But there are things we can do to help. Today we have parenting and family psychology expert, and founder of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, Professor Matt Sanders, and disability services expert and senior lecturer in clinical psychology from Curtin University, Dr Trevor Mazzuchelli to share some tips for helping children with diverse needs navigate these uncertain times. Professor Matt Sanders is ready to answer your questions on the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast. Record your questions on your smartphone voice memo app and email them to [email protected]. You can ask for advice, parenting tips or share concerns about your children's behaviour. To assist us in evaluating the helpfulness of the Parenting in a Pandemic podcast series, please visit https://pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic and follow the link to the research survey. The outcomes will be used to inform the development of future podcasts and improve the ways parenting support is provided to families. Resources: pfsc.psychology.uq.edu.au/parentinginapandemic