Parent mental health and wellbeing - Parenting Today Insight Brief

Parenting Today is the largest-ever survey of parents and carers in Australia. This report explores their experiences, wellbeing, support needs and the broader conditions shaping family life. Drawing on responses to the 2025 national survey, it provides insights into the wellbeing and mental health of parents across Australia.

Parent wellbeing matters because it shapes how parents cope, connect with their children and manage family life. It is closely linked to children’s development, mental health and wellbeing.

Despite this, parent wellbeing is often missing from policy conversations about child mental health, early intervention and prevention. Understanding how parents are faring is essential to building stronger families, more effective services and better outcomes for children.