Dads Getting Support
PMHW 2024 : Dads Getting Support | Includes interview with Dr Ricky Elliot, Clinical Psychologist
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Fathers’ Leave is on the agenda at the upcoming Jobs and Skills Summit – Parliament House 1-2 September
Key themes at the summit are gender equality, raising women’s income at work and father’s share of caring at home. The ACTU is arguing for tripling paid parental leave.
According to ACTU President Michele O’Neil “In 2022, women shouldn’t have to give up on having a family and men shouldn’t miss out on being involved in raising their kids because paid parental leave is insufficient,”
We know that when a dad takes leave after the birth it can strengthen his bond with his newborn and help the family adjust. But many men don’t know what they are entitled to or don’t ask for leave.
Getting ready for the birth of your first baby is a busy time. Dads who have finished the renos (almost), sorted the pets and looked up their leave balance come to the big questions: How much leave do I get? What is the pay rate and when can I apply? Do we get the Newborn Upfront payment and what’s the difference between Family Tax Benefit A and B? Everyone knows expenses will go up once a bub arrives but by how much or what for is not clear.
SMS4dads is gearing up to support dads to take leave when their baby arrives. Figuring out the rules about taking leave, available allowances and benefits is important for new dads who are trying to get it right for their family.
SMS4dads has partnered with Parents at Work, a national provider of training to corporations, to develop a guide for dads from planning leave to returning to work. From websites to go to for allowances and rebates to tips on how to approach your manager (or how to make your own plan if you are self-employed).
“We know that dads often tackle the family budget once the birth is getting close. But figuring out the rules can be a nightmare, and many dads miss out on entitlements and time with their new baby” says Associate Professor Richard Fletcher “We are building SMS4dads messages and support to guide dads through this stressful time.”
The messages and back up information outline planning the steps to take before the baby arrives. There are tips on talking to your manager and deciding on how much leave to take and explanations of allowances, child care and taxes.
Make sure expecting dads know about SMS4dads to receive important info and guidance around taking leave and parental entitlements. SMS4dads.com
PMHW 2024 : Dads Getting Support | Includes interview with Dr Ricky Elliot, Clinical Psychologist
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Richard’s research revealed possible long-term negative impacts on the children of dads with mental health issues. Fathers’ depressive symptoms in the first year after the birth predicted behaviour problems in their children years later.
“If dads’ mental health has such a dramatic impact then we need to be screening dads for depression, not just mums,” Richard explains.
In response to these limitations, Richard and his team have designed a smart-phone based program that allows mobile connection for new and expectant dads.
Participants receive texts containing information and links, and self-report their mood. If the mood tracker identifies dads as needing extra support, they will be offered a phone call from a counsellor trained in this area.
Following the success of the pilot of the SMS4dads program, Funding was received to enable a National roll-out.
“When dad’s miss antenatal classes or activities, they also miss out on contact and links to other people. They may never get the chance to say to anyone, look I’m really stressed,” he points out.
“SMS4dads is a way of bringing dads into the health system and keeping them linked in with services and support,” explains Richard.
Richard credits a varied career, a talented and innovative team, and much life experience for affording him the insight needed to address the challenges related to actively engaging dads.
After completing his masters in Medical Science, studying epidemiology, Richard earned his PhD focusing on fathers and attachment.
“Fathers are invisible in many places, and that is endemic. Not because people dislike fathers, but because the system is set up to be focused on mothers.”
Some services and organisations are aware of the need to engage dads, but have been unsuccessful in their attempts.
“When people are challenged about this, they generally want dads involved,” Richard affirms.
“Often, however, they just don’t know how to do it.”
Richard works with health professionals on issues related to fathers, and has delivered many antenatal programs for expectant dads.
He credits his own family with giving him an understanding of the role of fathers needed to make his work relevant.
“I have three daughters and two stepdaughters,”
“My kids would say they taught me just about everything I know and they’d be right. They’ve taught me a lot, and still do.”
Richard’s research revealed possible long-term negative impacts on the children of dads with mental health issues. Fathers’ depressive symptoms in the first year after the birth predicted behaviour problems in their children years later.
“If dads’ mental health has such a dramatic impact then we need to be screening dads for depression, not just mums,” Richard explains.
In response to these limitations, Richard and his team have designed a smart-phone based program that allows mobile connection for new and expectant dads.
Participants receive texts containing information and links, and self-report their mood. If the mood tracker identifies dads as needing extra support, they will be offered a phone call from a counsellor trained in this area.
Following the success of the pilot of the SMS4dads program, Funding was received to enable a National roll-out.
“When dad’s miss antenatal classes or activities, they also miss out on contact and links to other people. They may never get the chance to say to anyone, look I’m really stressed,” he points out.
“SMS4dads is a way of bringing dads into the health system and keeping them linked in with services and support,” explains Richard.