Ziras, a single mum of three on the Cassowary Coast, is taking intentional steps to strengthen her parenting and build a safer, more connected home for her children and herself. With support from VPG’s Every Family program, she’s learning practical strategies to strengthen her parenting, improve communication, and create a calmer home environment.
She has participated in parent coaching, support, and workshops – including Circle of Security, Raising Resilient Children, and Responding to Behaviour. These supports have equipped her with practical tools, emotional insight, and renewed confidence.
Reflecting on her journey, Ziras says, “I realised I couldn’t expect things to change around me if I wasn’t also working on myself. Learning how to respond to my kids in a way that helps them feel safe – that’s been huge.”
Parenting three children with different needs, including a pre-teen and a preschooler with additional support needs, means there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Through her learning, Ziras has found ways to tailor her parenting to meet each child where they’re at.
“How to communicate better with my kids – that’s something I’ve always found hard,” she explains. “But between holding more space, regulating myself better, and encouraging them to co-regulate, our relationships have really shifted.”
The change is visible at home. “I’m noticing fewer outbursts from my children, and when things do go off track, we’re able to repair the connection much more quickly. One of my kids never used to apologise – now he comes to me to say sorry, and we talk it through. That just didn’t happen before.”
Through Every Family, Ziras has been introduced to a range of practical tools and resources that help her have meaningful conversations with her children about important topics. She says the program’s strategies have been easy to apply and have made a real difference to her family’s emotional wellbeing.
Beyond the tools, having face-to-face support locally has been important for Ziras. “Living in a regional area, it’s made a big difference having support available in person. Families here deserve access to parenting support, and this program brings it into our community.”
Ziras actively encourages other parents to seek support, sharing the message that reaching out is an act of care and strength. “I talk about it all the time — to my friends, and family — because children deserve to live awesome, happy lives,” she says.
