Children’s Day a Time for Praise and Encouragement

Children’s Day a Time for Praise and Encouragement, Says Women’s Refuge

Women’s Refuge says Children’s Day, marked on Sunday, 7 March this year, is an important opportunity to give time to children and to support them with praise and encouragement.

“We hope New Zealanders will take this day to heart and find ways to show our children that we celebrate them and support their right to a safe and loving childhood,” says Denise Reynolds, Kaiwhakahaere for the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges.

Ms Reynolds says more than 2000 children spend time in a Women’s Refuge safe house each year. She says, “Last year we provided 13,717 services to children, an increase of 16% on the previous year. Although the statistics are a real concern, the positive side is that we are seeing young mothers coming to Women’s Refuge, determined to break the cycle and make a fresh start for themselves and their children.”

“By supporting their mothers to live free from violence, we can start to grow a new generation who understand that they deserve to live with love and affection.”

“As communities, as families and whānau, we must all understand that we have a role in protecting children. We need to bring them up in a culture where we really believe that our children are worth investing in.”

Ms Reynolds says Children’s Day is being celebrated throughout the country at organised events, but also by families who decide to mark the day and perhaps enjoy some new experiences together.

“This Sunday is an ideal opportunity to say to the children in your life, ‘You’re special and I’m going to spend some time enjoying your company.’ This isn’t about spending money, it’s about listening and talking and having some fun together.”

For information on events in your area, visit www.childrensday.org.nz

ENDS