As a guidance officer in a south-east Queensland school community where many families are doing it tough, Katrina Sherman often faces challenges like poverty, homelessness, and child safety concerns. 

She’s found support through Triple P’s programs and resources, helping her make a positive difference in the lives of the families she works with. 

Katrina loves Triple P because it’s practical and flexible: perfect for families who might not be ready or able to commit to long-term support. She’s seen firsthand how it meets families where they are, helping them practically. 

“I’m trained in Primary Care Triple P, but it’s hard to get parents back for multiple sessions,” she said. “So a lot of my work is through the Triple P tip sheets.” These tip sheets are concise, accessible guides on specific parenting topics, and have become Katrina’s go-to resource. 

She appreciates how they allow her to support families without overwhelming them. 

“They’re a five to ten-minute read,” she says. “It’s not a big book or an encyclopedia. It’s something quick and low-level that parents can try out.”

Similarly, rather than positioning herself as the expert, Katrina invites parents to explore solutions together. “I always come in from: Hey, I’m not the expert here, but this is what this says.” 

This helps build trust, especially with families who have had negative experiences with court-ordered parenting programs. One of the key strengths of Triple P, says Katrina, is its flexibility. She uses tip sheets not only in one-on-one sessions but also in creative outreach efforts like “Triple P Top-Up” evenings at her school. 

“These pop-up events feature displays of tip sheets and informal chats with parents,” she said. 

“I just sit there for a couple of hours, and parents come along and have a chat. I tell them: Have a look, see what speaks to you.”

Katrina recalls a parent who was struggling with her child’s sleep issues. After receiving the tip sheet on nightmares, the parent reported back that it had been helpful. Katrina also provided a sheet on screen time, explaining the science behind melatonin and how screens can disrupt sleep.

“He was like: Oh yeah, that’s exactly what happens. No one had ever explained it to him like that before.”

These moments of connection and understanding are what Katrina values most. “Most times, when parents know better, they do better,” she says. 

“They’re just not aware of the impact of things like screen time. It’s not their fault: their attention has been hijacked.” In addition to individual support, Katrina is working to build community connections. 

She’s helping to establish a health hub on-site, offering access to occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological services through the NDIS. She’s also involved in creating a support group for socially and economically isolated families, where Triple P resources play a central role. 

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To find out how you can also access free Triple P training thanks to Queensland Government funding, visit triplep.net/qldtraining