Promoting Family Mental Health through Attachment: The Good Enough Parenting Cards Project
Tracks
Cullinan Room: In-Person Only
| Thursday, June 5, 2025 |
| 2:05 PM - 2:25 PM |
Overview
Daisy Ashworth & Peter Butler, Communicare
Presenter
Ms Daisy Ashworth
Coordinator- Communities for Children and Financial Counselling
Communicare
Promoting Family Mental Health through Attachment: The Good Enough Parenting Cards Project
Abstract
The quality of early attachment relationships is known to play a pivotal role in the mental health and emotional resilience of children. Recognising this, Communities for Children (CfC) Armadale developed the Good Enough Parenting Cards, a resource rooted in attachment theory to support parents in nurturing secure connections with their children. Designed to promote both parental and child mental health, the cards address ten core domains of attachment-focused parenting, such as empathy, boundary-setting, self-care, and emotional expression, encouraging parents to practice “good enough” parenting rather than striving for perfection.
Developed in collaboration with parents from local schools and CfC’s innovation working group, the cards aim to help parents manage the complexities of child behaviour while promoting their own mental health and strengthening family bonds. By offering practical, achievable strategies, the cards support parents in developing a more confident and mindful approach, which in turn positively impacts children’s mental health by fostering secure attachments, emotional safety, and resilience.
This presentation will share the journey from project concept to community rollout, highlighting the collaborative efforts that shaped the Good Enough Parenting Cards and underscoring their positive mental health implications for both parents and children. The team will share firsthand reflections on balancing evidence-based parenting principles with accessible, real-world tools.
Attendees will gain insight into how attachment-based parenting support can act as a mental health tool for the whole family, fostering secure and nurturing environments that support children’s emotional wellbeing. Key evaluation insights will highlight how the cards have fostered meaningful connections, supported positive behaviour change, and empowered parents to meet their children’s emotional and developmental needs.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Understanding how attachment-based parenting positively influences child mental health and emotional resilience.
2. Insights into developing community-driven mental health resources for parents and children.
3. Practical applications of attachment theory in parenting support to enhance family mental health.
Developed in collaboration with parents from local schools and CfC’s innovation working group, the cards aim to help parents manage the complexities of child behaviour while promoting their own mental health and strengthening family bonds. By offering practical, achievable strategies, the cards support parents in developing a more confident and mindful approach, which in turn positively impacts children’s mental health by fostering secure attachments, emotional safety, and resilience.
This presentation will share the journey from project concept to community rollout, highlighting the collaborative efforts that shaped the Good Enough Parenting Cards and underscoring their positive mental health implications for both parents and children. The team will share firsthand reflections on balancing evidence-based parenting principles with accessible, real-world tools.
Attendees will gain insight into how attachment-based parenting support can act as a mental health tool for the whole family, fostering secure and nurturing environments that support children’s emotional wellbeing. Key evaluation insights will highlight how the cards have fostered meaningful connections, supported positive behaviour change, and empowered parents to meet their children’s emotional and developmental needs.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Understanding how attachment-based parenting positively influences child mental health and emotional resilience.
2. Insights into developing community-driven mental health resources for parents and children.
3. Practical applications of attachment theory in parenting support to enhance family mental health.
Biography
Passionate Community Programs Leader & Social Entrepreneur
Daisy began her career in local government in the UK, specializing in welfare and housing law at Great Yarmouth Borough Council.
In 2012, Daisy moved to Australia and has spent over a decade tackling homelessness and driving community development. She has led initiatives focused on housing, mental health, older adults, and family services, as well as delivering key systems change and process improvement across the sectors.
Since April 2024, Daisy returned to her core passion of community impact as part of Communicare’s Communities for Children program, focusing on community development and capacity building.
Mr Peter Butler
Community Partnership Specialist
Communicare
Promoting Family Mental Health through Attachment: The Good Enough Parenting Cards Project
Abstract
The quality of early attachment relationships is known to play a pivotal role in the mental health and emotional resilience of children. Recognising this, Communities for Children (CfC) Armadale developed the Good Enough Parenting Cards, a resource rooted in attachment theory to support parents in nurturing secure connections with their children. Designed to promote both parental and child mental health, the cards address ten core domains of attachment-focused parenting, such as empathy, boundary-setting, self-care, and emotional expression, encouraging parents to practice “good enough” parenting rather than striving for perfection.
Developed in collaboration with parents from local schools and CfC’s innovation working group, the cards aim to help parents manage the complexities of child behaviour while promoting their own mental health and strengthening family bonds. By offering practical, achievable strategies, the cards support parents in developing a more confident and mindful approach, which in turn positively impacts children’s mental health by fostering secure attachments, emotional safety, and resilience.
This presentation will share the journey from project concept to community rollout, highlighting the collaborative efforts that shaped the Good Enough Parenting Cards and underscoring their positive mental health implications for both parents and children. The team will share firsthand reflections on balancing evidence-based parenting principles with accessible, real-world tools.
Attendees will gain insight into how attachment-based parenting support can act as a mental health tool for the whole family, fostering secure and nurturing environments that support children’s emotional wellbeing. Key evaluation insights will highlight how the cards have fostered meaningful connections, supported positive behaviour change, and empowered parents to meet their children’s emotional and developmental needs.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Understanding how attachment-based parenting positively influences child mental health and emotional resilience.
2. Insights into developing community-driven mental health resources for parents and children.
3. Practical applications of attachment theory in parenting support to enhance family mental health.
Developed in collaboration with parents from local schools and CfC’s innovation working group, the cards aim to help parents manage the complexities of child behaviour while promoting their own mental health and strengthening family bonds. By offering practical, achievable strategies, the cards support parents in developing a more confident and mindful approach, which in turn positively impacts children’s mental health by fostering secure attachments, emotional safety, and resilience.
This presentation will share the journey from project concept to community rollout, highlighting the collaborative efforts that shaped the Good Enough Parenting Cards and underscoring their positive mental health implications for both parents and children. The team will share firsthand reflections on balancing evidence-based parenting principles with accessible, real-world tools.
Attendees will gain insight into how attachment-based parenting support can act as a mental health tool for the whole family, fostering secure and nurturing environments that support children’s emotional wellbeing. Key evaluation insights will highlight how the cards have fostered meaningful connections, supported positive behaviour change, and empowered parents to meet their children’s emotional and developmental needs.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Understanding how attachment-based parenting positively influences child mental health and emotional resilience.
2. Insights into developing community-driven mental health resources for parents and children.
3. Practical applications of attachment theory in parenting support to enhance family mental health.
Biography
Peter is a Community Partnership Specialist with Communities for Children (CfC) Armadale, supporting children aged 0-12 and their families through prevention and early intervention initiatives.
Passionate about systems-level thinking and collaboration, Peter works closely with community partners to develop programs, create project plans, and evaluate outcomes that respond to local needs.
With a strong background in stakeholder engagement and program development, he brings expertise in building partnerships, amplifying community voices, and driving impactful outcomes.
A dedicated advocate for community connection, Peter strives to foster inclusive and thriving environments where children and families can flourish.
