While we see a typical Australian summer unfolding, including bushfires and floods, we are grateful for the first responders and Defence personnel who work hard to keep us safe. Little thought is often given to their children who might be missing their parent who is working away, or worried about the danger their parent is facing.
Despite these challenges, it is important to recognise the strengths of these families, and the benefits of growing up in them. Understanding this can assist their parents, educators, support workers and clinicians to draw on those strengths and coping strategies while supporting them. These are also called protective factors that can reduce the risk of poor outcomes and even mental illness.
The UNE-led Child and Family Resilience Programs team are an interdisciplinary group who co-create free, online resources with those from these families, along with service providers, clinicians, educators, international researchers and community organisations. The international team is made up of Australian, Canadian and UK members.