Why Supporting Parents Is Central to Supporting Children

Written By Sara King

At Early Years Occupational Therapy, our work has always centred around helping children thrive. But over the years, through countless conversations, home visits, and therapy sessions, one message has become increasingly clear:

When a parent is supported, the whole family benefits.



The Hidden Weight Parents Carry

Raising children—especially in the early years—is deeply rewarding, but also incredibly complex. Many parents carry invisible loads: the mental strain of constant decision-making, the emotional labour of caring, the identity shift that comes with becoming a mother or father, and sometimes the grief, isolation, or anxiety that hides beneath the surface.

Research backs up what we so often witness in our work. A parent's emotional and psychological wellbeing has a powerful ripple effect on their child's development and the strength of family connections.

When parents are overwhelmed, unsupported, or struggling with mental health challenges, it becomes harder to be emotionally present, to respond with patience, and to feel truly connected to their child or partner. And over time, this stress can subtly shape a family’s rhythm and a child’s sense of security.



What the Research Tells Us

Recent studies consistently show:

  • Children’s emotional health is closely linked to the wellbeing of their caregivers.

    • Children thrive when their parents feel regulated, supported, and resourced

  • Parental stress and mental health difficulties can interfere with secure attachment and family dynamics.

    • Secure attachment, which forms the foundation for a child’s emotional resilience, is harder to build when a caregiver is under significant stress.

  • Early support for parents improves long-term outcomes for the whole family.

    • When parents receive timely support, the benefits extend across relationships, child development, and even into the next generation.



Introducing Our New Service Arm: Parental Wellbeing & Support

In response to what we've seen and heard, we are deeply proud to introduce a new arm of our service at Early Years Occupational Therapy—Parental Wellbeing and Support – Parents Matter Too Series.


This service is rooted in occupational therapy principles, recognising that a parent’s own roles, routines, identity, and sense of self are just as important as their child’s development.

Whether you're:

  • feeling overwhelmed by the mental load of parenting,

  • noticing a shift in your identity since becoming a parent,

  • navigating perinatal anxiety or depression,

  • or simply wanting to feel more connected and grounded in your role...

…this space is for you.


Why OT-Informed Parental Support Matters

Occupational therapy is uniquely placed to support parents. We use a holistic approach, working within the Person–Environment–Occupation (PEO) model, which looks at the dynamic interaction between a person, their daily roles and routines, and the environments they live in.

When applied to parenting, this model helps us:

  • Understand the impact of role overwhelm and identity changes

  • Explore how everyday routines can be supported or reshaped

  • Strengthen emotional connections and coping strategies

  • Promote healthy co-regulation within families

You Deserve Support, Too

You are not just a caregiver—you are a whole person, with your own needs, emotions, and aspirations. The early years are not only a time of rapid development for children, but also a season of profound change for parents.

At Early Years Occupational Therapy, we’re here to walk alongside you in that journey.



If you're feeling like there are aspects of your parenting role you'd like support in navigating, or if your wellbeing is getting lost in the day-to-day of raising a child, we invite you to reach out. You're not alone, and support is here.

🧡 Because when you’re supported, your child feels it too.

If you want further information on our services and how we can help, please contact us today.

Sara King