Parenting our way: Connecting with things that help you feel strong

This resource is part of Parenting our way, a collection of resources created with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents, families and workers to support children’s social and emotional wellbeing.

Doing things that keep you strong can sometimes help when things are tough.

Here are some of the things Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents told us work for them:

Connecting and talking with family.
Being on and connecting to Country.
Going for a walk on the beach.
Listening to music.
Time alone for rest and self-reflection.
Exercise, movement, playing sport and looking after their bodies.
Outdoor activities like camping, fishing or crabbing.
Weaving and collecting rushes.
Mindfulness – connecting with mind and body.
Being still, connecting spiritually or connecting with Ancestors.
Journalling, songwriting and writing poetry.
Taking a break from their phone and social media.

Remember to look after yourself.

And take a moment to soak up your kids – they grow up so fast! Make time for cuddles, sit with them and watch them explore the world around them.

Reaching out to family and friends

Before reaching out to a service, it can help to yarn with people you trust. Family, a friend or an Elder may have had the same experience and could have the answer you need.

Watch this video (x minutes, x seconds) to hear Sonia talk about seeking support from family, friends and Elders.

Finding information online

Online resources can be a great way to get quick tips, learn new strategies and connect with other parents who understand what you’re going through.

Whether you’re looking for advice on how your child’s development is tracking or tips you could try when you’re feeling stressed, a quick search can make a big difference when you need answers fast. Examples could be looking up things like ‘baby sleep tips’ or ‘ways to calm yourself when feeling anxious’.

It’s also important to check that information is from trusted websites, has a good evidence basis and does not cause harm.

These websites have useful information for parents:

WellMob offers online resources about social, emotional and cultural wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents, children, families and communities.
Raising Children, the Australian parenting website, provides information, videos and apps to support your parenting journey.

Getting support from services

If you are worried and think you need more help than family or friends can give, it might be time to reach out to a service for help.

For example, if you’re worried about your own wellbeing and it’s affecting your everyday life, consider speaking to a doctor, counsellor, other health professional or parenting support service.

Finding services near you

Explore local health services, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) or online helplines for support.

You might do this by searching online for ‘Aboriginal health services near me’ or ‘parenting support near me’. You can also access a map of ACCHOs across urban, regional and remote Australia on the NACCHO website using the following link:

Check out ACCHO locations

When help doesn’t feel right

Sometimes a service doesn’t fit your family’s needs, or you may have felt disrespected or judged. That can be tough.

Watch the next video (2 minutes, 2 seconds) to hear Bec and Lou talk about how they found the right team for their family.

If you have a bad experience, remember it’s OK to speak up. You deserve support that is safe and respectful for you and your family.

If you feel like you were treated unfairly or disrespected, you have the right to speak up and make a complaint.

Start by asking for a manager. All services have feedback or complaints processes.
When making a complaint, write down what happened, when it happened and how it made you feel. This helps make sure your voice is heard and can lead to better support for you and others.

Each state has a health care complaint organisation that receives and responds to concerns about unsafe care by health workers. You can find out more on the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website using the following link:

Read tips for making a healthcare complaint

Things to remember

Trust your gut feeling: If something feels off, it’s okay to try a different service.
Talk to someone you trust: They may have good advice or be able to advocate for you.
Keep trying: One bad experience doesn’t mean all help will be the same. There are people and services that genuinely care and want to support you and your child.

Staying on track

In this video (26 seconds), Harley reminds parents to stay strong, take a breath and keep going.

What’s next? Explore other Parenting our way resources:

Using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Complex Trauma and Strengths Questionnaire (ACTSQ)

Graham Gee, Catherine Chamberlain and Yvonne Clark: Healing the Past By Nurturing the Future

This course will guide you to use the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Complex Trauma and Strengths Questionnaire (ACTSQ). It was developed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners and researchers as part of the Healing the Past Nurturing the Future (HPNF) project using a multi-stage approach and developed using rigorous co-design processes with families. It has been designed to respond to this past hurt and trauma, ensuring cultural perspectives are included in assessment and relevant for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Five ways to support kids’ mental health

Emerging Minds

Meet Emm. In this video you’ll hear them talk about the five key things you can do to support your children’s mental health.

Skills in child aware practice with parents who use substances

Emerging Minds and Mental Health Professionals' Network (MHPN)

In this webinar with the Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN), our panel explores practical skills to support confident and effective child aware conversations with parents who use substances. It outlines strategies to encourage open, collaborative communication and support positive engagement.

Beginning child aware conversations with parents who use substances

Emerging Minds and Mental Health Professionals' Network (MHPN)

In this webinar with the Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN), our multidisciplinary panel will explore and identify reasons that may underlie school attendance difficulties. This presentation will promote the value of partnership-based, trauma-informed strategies to support a contextualised understanding of each child’s unique needs in education settings.

Self-harm in primary school-aged children

Dr Laura Gobey, Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS)

This article provides a summary of the research evidence on self-harm behaviours in primary school-aged children. It outlines what self-harm behaviours are, how common they are, and why primary school-aged children may be self-harming.

Parenting our way: Connecting with things that help you feel strong

Reaching out to family and friends

Finding information online