'I Have to be the Mum and Dad for 4 Weeks Straight'. Exploring the Experiences and Support Needs of Australian Parents and Partners Engaged in Fly-In/Fly-Out Work Practices

Fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) work practices have become common place in Australia over the past two decades. Research has documented the personal impact of these work practices, but little peer-reviewed research is available on the family impact of this work. The study aimed to better understand (1) the impact of FIFO work arrangements on children, parents and relationships; (2) strategies parents use to manage the home-away cycle; and (3) preferences for parenting support. Interviews were conducted with six FIFO workers and 15 partners of FIFO workers with at least one child aged 2-12 years. Inductive thematic analysis revealed six themes: effects on children; effects on family relationships; effects on parenting; managing transitions; managing separations; and the need for flexible, tailored parenting support. The findings provided important insight into the experiences of working FIFO with a family and can inform the development of parenting support targeted at FIFO families.