Global Day of Parents: Supporting Parents. Strengthening Families. Building the Future.
- Shane Warren
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
1st June 2026
On the Global Day of Parents, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) recognises the extraordinary contribution parents, carers, grandparents, guardians, and families make every day in raising the next generation.
This year's international theme, "Together for Parents," reminds us that parenting is one of society's most important responsibilities, but it should never be one that people are expected to carry alone.
Every conversation, every bedtime story, every boundary, every moment of encouragement and reassurance helps shape a child's emotional wellbeing and resilience for years to come.
VMHPAA Chair Shane Warren, drawing on more than three decades of working alongside parents, young people, and families, said:
"Parents often ask if they're getting it right. The truth is that children don't need perfect parents, they need present parents. The greatest gift we can give our children is not perfection, but consistency, love, healthy boundaries, and the confidence that someone will be there when life becomes difficult." [Shane Warren]
Modern parenting brings new challenges. Families are navigating rising costs of living, increased mental health concerns, digital technology, social media, changing family structures, and the everyday pressures of balancing work and home life.
Supporting parents is therefore not simply a family issue it is a community responsibility.
VMHPAA Secretary Susan Sandy, reflecting on her work in school welfare and relationship counselling, said:
"Behind every thriving child is a network of adults doing their very best. When we invest in parents, we invest in children's mental health, educational success, healthy relationships, and stronger communities. Supporting parents today creates healthier adults tomorrow." [Susan Sandy]
Research consistently demonstrates that positive parent-child relationships are among the strongest protective factors for children's mental health. Early connection, emotional safety, secure attachment, and supportive family environments help children develop resilience, confidence, empathy, and the skills needed to navigate life's inevitable challenges.
On this Global Day of Parents, VMHPAA encourages all Australians to:
Celebrate parents, carers and families in all their diversity.
Support parents without judgement.
Make time for connection over perfection.
Recognise that asking for help is a sign of strength.
Build communities where families feel supported, not isolated.
Strong families build strong communities. And strong communities begin by standing together for parents.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO