Discover more resources
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Short article
Fathers’ mental health and parenting: Implications for promoting children’s mental health
Dr Mandy Kienhuis and Dr Jan Matthews – Parenting Research CentreChildren thrive when their parents are supported. While most fathers are doing well and feel supported, fathers with poor mental health report challenges with parenting. This short article explores ways in which professionals can enhance child wellbeing by supporting fathers. -
Fact sheet
Adjusting to parenthood: Fathers and non-birthing parents
Emerging MindsThis resource offers information and advice on adjusting to parenthood, written especially for fathers and non-birthing parents. -
Webinar
Engaging fathers and their children
Emerging Minds and Mental Health Professionals' Network (MHPN)This webinar explores practices that make it possible for fathers to discuss their children’s social and emotional wellbeing with health professionals. Through a facilitated panel discussion this webinar covers service design, assessment protocols, and practitioner attitudes and competencies that can encourage a father’s participation in services. -
Practice paper
Engaging fathers in early childhood services
Lucy TullyMany services for child wellbeing are delivered mainly to mothers, and research shows that fathers have low levels of engagement (attendance and participation) in these services. Involving fathers (along with mothers) in early childhood services provides an opportunity to obtain comprehensive information about parenting and child wellbeing. It is also a chance to provide support to both parents, which may enhance outcomes for children, parents and families. This resource provides six key practitioner tips to enhance the engagement of fathers in early childhood services. -
Short article
Enhancing father engagement in parenting programs: A challenge for practitioners and policymakers
Meryn LechowiczEvidence-based parenting interventions have been shown to have immediate and long-term positive effects on children's wellbeing. More recently, research has shown increased positive changes in children's behaviour and better parenting practices resulting from programs involving fathers as well as mothers. Yet fathers are underrepresented in services that concern child wellbeing. -
Webinar
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. -
Short article
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. -
Webinar
Towards a comprehensive child mental health system: Exploring workforce availability
Emerging MindsThis webinar is intended for organisational and systems leaders across the health, education, social and community services sectors, as well as practitioners with an interest in workforce development. -
Short article
Understanding parents’ experiences of their child engaging in self-harm and/or suicidal ideation
Beth Thomas-Richards & Dr Mandy Truong, Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS)This short article describes the experiences of parents with children engaging in self-harm or experiencing suicidal ideation, including the role of stigma and shame. It also provides practice considerations on how to best support parents and their child. -
Research summary
Highlights in child mental health research: August 2025
Prepared by AIFSThe August 2025 research summary provides a selection of recently released papers, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses related to infant and child mental health. Each summary includes an introductory overview of the content for the month, followed by a list of selected articles. Each article is accompanied by a brief synopsis that presents the key messages and highlights. Links to abstracts, full-text articles and related resources, where available, are provided. -
Guide
Welcoming Our Little Ones: A guide for families to raise strong and deadly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Nunkuwarrin Yunti & Emerging MindsWelcoming Our Little Ones shares some stories and ideas to support families to raise healthy and grounded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, with a specific focus on pregnancy to five years. -
Guide
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dads matter
Nunkuwarrin Yunti & Emerging MindsAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dads have an important role to play in the lives of their kids. This guide shares stories and advice from Indigenous dads and parents on supporting your partner and parenting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the first five years.