Table 1 Project Air Strategy Key Principles for Clinicians Working with Parents with Personality Disorders

Prioritise child safety and encourage parents to do the same

Listen to parenting struggles in a non-judgemental and accepting manner

Focus on building trust and rapport, as parents with mental illness can feel vulnerable

Recognise and value parents’ strengths and positive attributes

Re-affirm that the goal is to be a ‘good enough’ parent, not perfect

Help the parent to keep their child’s needs and feelings in mind despite mental illnesssometimes getting in the way

Help parents to facilitate open discussion with their child about what is happening in the home, including discussing the parent’s mental health issues and their diagnosis

Ensure a family crisis plan is in place for when the parent is very unwell

Help parents with parenting skills, including age-appropriate ways of relating to their child and setting firm and kind limits to protect everyone

Where possible seek opportunities to protect children from being distressed by mental illness

Ensure children have the best possible chance to grow up normally, and prioritise ensuring they attend school and have time to join in with their peers