Parental Perceptions of Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Children From At-Risk Families: Exploring Effective Supports
Tracks
Auditorium and Virtual via OnAIR
Friday, November 10, 2023 |
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM |
Overview
Dr Marg Rogers, University of New England and Manna Institue
Speaker
Dr Marg Rogers
Senior Lecturer In Early Childhood
University Of New England and Manna Institute
Parental Perceptions of Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Children From At-Risk Families: Exploring Effective Supports
Abstract
Many Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Veteran families are affected by the stressors of military family life, including frequent and prolonged parental deployments, and frequent relocations. There is little information about ADF parents’ knowledge, confidence and resources to adequately support their young children’s wellbeing and build their resilience in the absence of supports in these areas. The present study used a mixed methods design to explore ADF parents’ perceptions of their young children’s (aged 2-8 years) social and emotional wellbeing, and parents’ understanding of their children’s responses to unique stressors as well as confidence in providing support. Data from 41 parents were available. Overall parents reported positive wellbeing evaluation of their children. However, just under a quarter of parents also reported that their children did not cope well on key wellbeing indicators (e.g., adapting easily to new situations and willingness to share negative emotions). Significantly, more than half of the parents (61%) were only partially confident in their ability to help their children cope with unique stressors in military families. Qualitative data provided further insight into the children’s struggle with relocations and parental absence and the challenges parents face in supporting them. Parents reported having little access to effective, age- and culturally-appropriate resources to support their young children. The literature reveals these children are vulnerable to poorer education and health outcomes. The literature also reveals similar and unique stressors facing children and parents from First Responder families. Children from these families are often misdiagnosed with ADHD or Borderline Personality Disorder due to their behaviour in schools. There is a need for access to free, quality, online, research-based Australian resources to support young children of ADF families, especially those in regional and rural locations, who are less able to access mental health and other specialist supports.
Biography
Dr Marg Rogers is a Senior Lecturer in the Early Childhood team within the School of Education and a Postdoctoral Fellow with the Manna Institute. Marg researches marginalised groups in Australia. To do this she explores their wellbeing, co-creates resources to support them, and advocates for them. Marg leads the award-winning Children's Family Resilience Programs to support children from Defence, Veteran, First Responder and Remote Worker families. Marg also researches the wellbeing, work and support needs of early childhood educators in the Empowering Educators Programs.
Moderator
Shinade Hartman
AST Management
Mel Stewart
Director
AST Management
Justine White
Event Manager
AST Management
Presenter
Marg Rogers
Senior Lecturer In Early Childhood
University Of New England and Manna Institute
Session Chair
Clifford Lewis
Senior Lecturer
Charles Sturt University
