Triple P is a Positive Parenting programme; it is a multi-level system of family intervention for parents of children who have or are at risk of developing behavioural problems. It is a preventatively orientated programme which aims to promote positive, caring relationships between parents and their children and to help parents develop effective management strategies for dealing with a variety of childhood behavioural and emotional problems and common developmental issues.

Triple P has evolved from a programme of clinical research by Matthew R Sanders, PhD, Carol Markie-Dadds, M. Psych Clin, and Karen M.T. Turner, PhD.

Triple P aims to increase parental competence and confidence in raising children by:

• Increasing parents’ competence in managing common behaviour problems and developmental issues.
• Reducing parents’ use of coercive and punitive methods of disciplining children.
• Improving parents’ communication about parenting issues.
• Reducing parenting stress associated with raising children.

These outcomes can be achieved by creating a supportive learning environment for parents. Parents can discuss and receive practical information about parenting skills that they can incorporate into everyday interactions with their children.

The programme is based on five core positive parenting principles. These principles address specific risk and protective factors known to predict positive development and mental health outcomes in children.

• Having a safe, interesting environment.
• Having a positive learning environment.
• Using assertive discipline.
• Having realistic expectations.
• Taking care of yourself as a parent.

Allison Ennis is trained to facilitate the Triple P Programme and has also been delivering a catalogue of parenting courses in Amber Family to our resident parents.