Victorian families are being urged to take advantage of a free online parenting program as they navigate tighter COVID-19 restrictions.
The free online program, Triple P Online, provides expert advice and strategies for parents and carers.
The courses include a module on navigating the stresses of the COVID-19 crisis.
Metropolitan Melbourne entered Stage 4 restrictions on Sunday.
The tough new limits include an 8pm curfew and a ban on travel further than 5km from home.
All students will be learning from home as of Wednesday. Childcare and kindergarten will be limited to vulnerable kids and children of essential workers.
Clinical psychologist and youth mental health researcher Dr Vanessa Cobham said the extraordinary disruption and stress was putting untold pressure on parents and their children.
“Parenting in a pandemic is uncharted territory,” Dr Cobham said.
“It’s natural to feel worried, upset or angry, and our children are experiencing a range of emotions too.
“Ongoing outbreaks of the virus and the return to tougher restrictions will be stressful for many families with worries about money, work and mental health.”
Dr Cobham said the free online program gave parents strategies to help their children through the COVID-19 crisis.
“Children need our help to tolerate the upheaval and stress, manage their fears and build resilience to deal with the ongoing uncertainty,” she said.
“Some children will take on parental concerns, while others might be worried about remote learning or missing friends and family.
“Without that support, we can expect to see a spike in stress, anxiety and depression, which will stay with families long after the health crisis is over.”
Dr Cobham said it was important for parents to have realistic expectations of themselves and their children.
“Triple P Online provides useful advice on managing your emotions, taking care of important relationships and keeping healthy,” she said.
“It offers parents the skills to do their best to create a stable, loving home life in uncertain times, and reach out to others to provide support.”
Victorian parents and carers of children aged 0-16 can access Triple P Online, including the guide to parenting during COVID-19, for free at triplep.online/victoria
Parents can complete six to eight sessions in their own time.
The sessions last up to an hour and can be done on a desktop computer, tablet or smartphone.
