Parents more likely to seek advice from friends and family than GPs
Published: 23 August 2016
A recent study commissioned by Healthdirect Australia has revealed that many parents will turn to friends and family about their child’s behaviour and development before seeking advice from health professionals. This means that Australians may be following outdated and inaccurate advice when it comes to parenting.
More than 1,000 Australian parents participated in an online survey about their child’s behaviour and development.
The survey revealed that:
- Health professionals, including GPs, rank third as the source parents turn to most – behind friends and family. However, it’s the advice from health professionals that is taken most seriously.
- One in three Australian parents are reluctant to seek advice about their child’s behaviour and development for fear of being judged or seen as a failure.
- Sleep is the biggest concern for almost two thirds of parents (62%) during their baby’s first year.
- 39% of parents are concerned about breastfeeding or general feeding problems during their baby’s first year.
- 38% of parents with toddlers are concerned about their child’s behaviour such as biting, hitting or tantrums.
- 38% of parents with babies are concerned about their child reaching milestones such as smiling, rolling, sitting up or crawling.
“GPs are an essential support for parents through their child rearing years, and it’s no surprise that of all the advice and information parents receive from various sources during this time, it’s the advice from health professionals that is trusted most. However, due to convenience and time pressures, parents will often choose to go to a friend or family member before seeking professional advice,” said Dianne Zalitis, Clinical Lead of Pregnancy, Birth and Baby.
When parents are unable to see their GP, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby provides access to safe, trusted advice from maternal child health nurses. The service includes guidance and reassurance for parents on behaviour and development concerns. Counsellors are also available to provide confidential and non-judgemental support.
Healthdirect Australia manages the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby service on behalf of the Australian government. For more information, visit www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au (Opens in new tab).
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Last reviewed: August 2016