The Australian Childhood Foundation undertook an online survey of a nationally representative sample of parents in June 2020 just as the first version of lockdown was being eased and prior to the second round of restrictions being put in place in Victoria. It sought to understand more about the needs of parents and children during periods of such large scale disruption and transition.

Key Findings:

• A quarter of parents felt that they were failing their children and more than a third stated that they had lost confidence in their parenting. These problems emerged at exactly the time when parents noticed that their children needed more reassurance and were experiencing signs of heightened stress such as eating and sleeping disturbances.
• A third of parents felt isolated and left without adequate support. Almost 40% were worried that their own stress and mental health was adversely affecting the wellbeing of their children.
• Concerningly, almost a third of parents were frightened that the impact of COVID-19 will have lasting mental health impacts for their children such as ongoing heightened anxiety and stress. 1 in 5 parents were concerned about their children’s future social development and self-confidence

Recommendations:

• This research demonstrates the need for governments at all levels to have a stronger focus on parental well-being and family functioning as critical enablers of child well-being during COVID-19 and beyond. The results highlight that parents desire this support in different forms according to their need – ranging from online resources they can find and use for themselves, to connect to other parents through online communities, to professional advice at times when they need it.