Parenting is full of ups and downs and for Lisa*, the challenges felt overwhelming. As a single mother of six children, four of whom have disabilities, every day brought unique struggles. With the support of the Stepping Stones parenting program at Gateway Health, she found new strategies to navigate family life and create a calmer, more positive home. With multiple support workers coming and going throughout the week and the impact of past family violence shaping her children’s behaviours, home life was often overwhelming. Conflict, frequent school suspensions and high stress levels had become the norm.
Determined to make a change, Lisa enrolled in the Stepping Stones parenting program in September 2024, eager to find practical solutions for her family. A variant of the Positive Parenting Program, Stepping Stones is designed for families of children with disabilities. The program is flexible, allowing parents to take as long as they need to work through the process. For Lisa, this meant six months of dedication, ensuring she could make meaningful, lasting changes tailored to her family’s unique needs.
One of the biggest struggles was the evening routine. Dysregulation among the children made bedtime chaotic, with frequent arguments, sneaking out to use technology and emotional outbursts leaving everyone frustrated. Rather than easing into changes gradually, Lisa took on the challenge in the most intense way possible, introducing new routines while taking her six children on a six-week camping trip to Tasmania, all sleeping in a tent. This trial by fire tested her patience and resilience, especially with her mother, who accompanied them and was not always supportive of Lisa’s efforts to establish new habits.
Despite the ups and downs, Lisa remained committed to making positive changes for her family. “It wasn’t always easy, but I knew I had to keep going for my kids,” she says. By the time she completed the program in March 2025, the changes were evident. In her final session, she described the evening routine as “not completely there yet” but far less stressful and emotionally charged. The atmosphere at home had shifted, less yelling, fewer conflicts and a more structured approach to handling challenges. Perhaps the most significant sign of progress was in her children’s school experience, where previously multiple children faced multi-day suspensions each term, this year, only one child had received a single-day suspension.
Even her neighbours had noticed the difference. After an incident where Lisa briefly lost her temper and raised her voice, a neighbour asked her, “I haven’t heard you lose your cool for a while.” It was a powerful reminder of how far she had come.
Lisa’s experience demonstrates how the Stepping Stones parenting program equips families with the tools to create structure, reduce stress and build stronger relationships. “It’s not perfect, but it’s so much better than before,” she reflects. Though change took time and persistence, Lisa has fostered a more peaceful and supportive home for her children. Her story is an inspiring reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, growth and transformation are possible.
If you or someone you know is looking for parenting support, Gateway Health offers a range of evidence-based programs, including Stepping Stones, to help families navigate the complexities of raising children with additional needs. Learn more about the Stepping Stones parenting program and how Gateway Health can support your family’s journey today.
*Names have been changed for privacy reasons, and a stock image has been used to accompany this article.
