Grandparents needed for parenting study

University of Queensland researchers are seeking grandparents who want to fine-tune their parenting skills.

James Kirby and Professor Matthew Sanders developed the new version of the award-winning Triple P Parenting Program and are hoping to recruit for 80 grandparents to participate.

“Grandparents bring a great deal of experience and expertise to the role when providing care to their grandkids, as they have been parents before,†Professor Sanders said.

“But what we are finding from our research is that some grandparents want to update their parenting knowledge and ideas, as it has been a while since they have had to care for children on a regular basis.â€

Sally, a grandmother from Carindale, said she had found the program rewarding.

“My little grandson is a handful at times and the course offered some new approaches and some I had simply forgotten,†she said.

Grandparent Triple P is a nine-week group program that runs at The University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus.

Early sessions will focus on refreshing parenting strategies, with emphasis placed on working with parents to form a positive parenting team.

The latter part of the program will be conducted by telephone to help participants develop these techniques further.

To participate in Grandparent Triple P, you need to provide at least 10 hours of care per week to a grandchild who is aged between two to nine years. There is no cost to take part.

To register your interest or find out more, contact (07) 3365 6207 or j.kirby@psy.uq.edu.au or visit www.exp.psy.uq.edu.au/grandparents.

Media: James Kirby (07 3365 6207, j.kirby@psy.uq.edu.au)