A new app is being trialled across Geelong and the state to help parents support their young children through daily challenging moments.
Deakin University’s Daily Growth parenting app targeted specific situations that parents of two-to-five-year-olds face while providing tips and support to help children develop social and emotional skills.
Deakin’s SEED Lifespan Strategic Research Centre in the School of Psychology research lead Associate Professor Elizabeth Westrupp said the app was in its trial phase across the state.
“Daily Growth is readily available on a smartphone and is the first app to use daily surveys and micro-interventions to provide parenting support,” she said.
“We know that modern families are busy, so we have designed a new, quick, and convenient way for parents and carers to get parenting help for common challenging situations.
“Every day at 7am and 7pm, we will ask parents a couple of questions, which they can answer when it suits them. These questions will help us to tailor our tips so they’re relevant to individual families.”
Tiffany Roussety is a mother of three young boys and works at not-for-profit Meli. She said the app helped give parents “peace of mind” that they were on the right track.
“When you are feeling a bit frazzled as a parent, having a quick go-to that can help you think differently about a situation or give you a different form of words to use with your child would be hugely helpful,” she said.
“Our children look to us for support when they are overwhelmed so giving them new ways to manage their emotions or tackle a new task or situation is going to help them grow into confident little people.”
Visit dailygrowth.deakin.edu.au for more information or to test the Daily Growth app.
