International parenting expert speaks out
November 2006One of the world’s leading pioneers of parenting strategies has joined the School of Psychological Sciences as a part-time visiting professor.
Professor Matt Sanders of the University of Queensland invented the ground-breaking ‘Triple P-Positive Parenting Programme’ recently showcased in the ITV series Driving Mum and Dad Mad, which helps parents develop skills to promote good child behaviour and emotional adjustment.
Manchester lecture
He will give his first public lecture at the University on Tuesday 5 December, including a brief overview of Triple P, the evidence for its effectiveness and its application across different cultures and countries.“I’m eager to make parenting interventions and the prevention of behavioural and emotional problems in children accessible to everyone,” he said. “I believe positive parenting has a crucial role in promoting children's development - investing in parenting is investing in children's futures.”
Professor Sanders will work with the University for at least two years, his main objective being to establish a UK research unit.
“I am keen to help build local service capacity to provide parenting interventions, and the unit’s research should strengthen the local evidence-base. It will also contribute important knowledge to the international literature on the subject, and help us extend its global network of researchers from a base here in Manchester,” he said.
“In my view everyone needs preparation to be a parent, but evidence-informed interventions are currently lacking in the UK. This is very much a public health issue as inadequate parenting affects so many aspects of a child’s life, including their health and whether they develop serious mental health problems, learning difficulties, antisocial behaviours and/or drug problems.”
The lecture is open to all and will take place in Lecture Theatre A of the Roscoe Building on Brunswick St. There will be a reception with refreshments from 5.30 pm, and the lecture will take place from 6.30 - 7.30 pm.
