Community-based support for parents can lead to better mental health, stronger relationships and improved outcomes for children.
Parenting programmes improve mental wellbeing and family relationships
A five-year study led by researchers at University College London found these programmes may be particularly effective for families from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.
The findings, published in The Lancet Public Health, examined the Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities (SFSC) programme, which has been running in the UK for more than two decades.
The study followed 674 parents and caregivers across England who took part in weekly sessions covering topics such as emotional development, discipline and family relationships.
Parents who completed the 13-week programme reported higher levels of mental wellbeing compared with those in a control group, with improvements seen both immediately afterwards and six months later. Researchers also found benefits in children’s emotional wellbeing, as well as stronger parent-child relationships and reduced conflict within families.
Professor Richard Watt, the study’s lead author, said: “People who have done the program are almost evangelical about the way it has changed their lives for the better. We know that parental mental well-being is a critical foundation for healthy family relationships and children's development and that even modest improvements can make a meaningful difference to how parents cope with everyday pressures and support their children. What our study has shown is that community-based parenting programs such as SFSC can successfully engage diverse families and improve well-being.”
Dr Anita Mehay added: “Small improvements can be meaningful; for instance, a parent shifting from rarely to some of the time in feeling confident or close to others can make a real difference in their ability to cope and manage daily demands for their family.”
While the programme did not result in significant cost savings, researchers said its relatively low cost and consistent benefits suggest it could form part of wider efforts to reduce health inequalities.