Parental perceptions of the Sing&Grow programme: group music therapy building knowledge, confidence and social support

ABSTRACT

New parenthood is demanding and can negatively impact socially, emotionally and financially on family members particularly those already experiencing stress due to poverty or hardship, mental illness or isolation. Vulnerable parents are at risk of lower self-efficacy in parenting and less positive relationships with their children. Sing&Grow is a federally funded music therapy programme utilizing group parent–child music therapy sessions, aimed at reducing the impact of adversity and improving child future trajectories. In this interview study, ten Sing&Grow participants from across Australia discussed their experiences of the Sing&Grow programme and the influence upon their family life. Participants perceived that the programme had developed their confidence as parents by increasing their knowledge in child development and parenting skills. Improved parental self-efficacy appeared to translate into enhanced family relationships. While Sing&Grow targets vulnerable parents, these findings suggest the programme may be valuable for all new parents.

KEYWORDS:

• Music
• parenting
• intervention
• music therapy
• early childhood
• parent–child interaction

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This project was funded through a commissioned evaluation project funded by Sing&Grow, Playgroup Queensland. Sing&Grow is a government funded not-for-profit programme of Playgroup Queensland that provides services to families for no charge. Authors SS and KW are employed by QUT and did not personally gain financially from the conduct of this study. Authors JO and LB are employed by Playgroup Queensland and also did not personally gain financially from the conduct of this study. None of the authors have any financial interest in Sing&Grow or Playgroup Queensland and its services.