Family & Lifestyle

ORIGINS sub-projects are investigating the best way to provide support to new parents and positively influence the health and development of their children.

Early parenting can be a joyful but also difficult period - both physically and mentally.

By studying the dynamics, skillsets, and lifestyle choices of families, researchers aim to identify factors that contribute to the health and wellbeing of parents and their children.

Areas covered by this research domain include:

Family structure and dynamics
Connectedness to nature and neighborhood
Parenting skills
Impact of drug and alcohol use
Impact of pets and animals
Physical play and activitiy
Screen time and technology use

Active

DreamStart

This study explores the role of infant sleep in early childhood development.

Parenting in the Digital Age

Parental factors influencing child digital technology use in the early years.

Benefits Beyond Play

In partnership with Playgroup WA, this sub-project is investigating the impact of playgroups on mental health and socio-emotional outcomes in parents and children within ORIGINS.

Screen ORIGINS

Understanding how families engage with screen technologies and how it may influence child development

Completed

Happy Parenting Program

The Happy Parenting Program is investigating new ways to provide support to parents with young children from an early age.

Nature Play & Grow

The Nature Play & Grow study aimed to promote connectedness to nature, healthy eating, physical activity, and emotional well-being in young children, and has since been translated to 14 local government areas.