Social and Emotional Support for new parents

What does this look like? (social support)

• Grandparents providing childcare increases household income. It boosts capacity to secure quality housing, nutritious foods and clothing

• High social support lowers parent stress levels and builds overall resilience. Lowers post-natal depression risk

Emotional support

• Doubts about parental capability and fear that something is wrong with the baby create high stress during pregnancy.

• Post-birth, parents often experience frustration or regret over losing financial independence and spontaneous free time

The 4 pillars of effective support

• Active Listening: Paying full attention to validate that the parent’s voice and struggles matter

• Empathising: Accepting how they feel without immediately telling them how they should feel

• Encouragement: Offering genuine love, reassurance, and positive reinforcement to boost self-esteem and resilience

• Guided Problem Solving: Helping them talk through options rather than simply taking over

Social and Emotional Support

• Support lowers parental anxiety, helping parents feel calmer and more in control

• Well-supported parents make clearer decisions, model healthy behaviours, and bond better with their child.

Federal Government Resources

• Medicare

• Parental Leave Pay

• Family Tax Benefit

• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline

State Government Resources

• Maternal and Child Health Service

• Maternal Child Health App

• Maternal Child Health Line

Local Government Resources

• Recreation Facilities: Parks, playgrounds, walking paths, gardens

• Community health and wellbeing plans: Lifestyle programs to encourage healthy eating, exercise and social interaction

• Playgroups: New and first-time parent groups where adults can discuss common concerns and strategies