Commissioner for Children "no smacking" booklet

Media Release

Hon Roger McClay

Commissioner for Children 29 October 2001

Commissioner for Children launches "no smacking" booklet for parents

Roger McClay, Commissioner for Children, is today delighted to launch a new booklet for parents and caregivers. Titled, "Choose to hug, not to smack. Awhitia, Kaua e Papakitia", this booklet gives parents and caregivers a wealth of ideas to help them guide children to behave well without using smacking or hitting.

Roger McClay said "At a time when more and more parents are choosing not to smack and when New Zealand as a nation is addressing the problem of how to discourage physical discipline this is a very welcome resource".

The resource produced by the Office of the Commissioner for Children and EPOCH New Zealand uses both English and Maori words and is simple and practical. "It is a very positive booklet," said Roger McClay. "Not only does it talk about positive parenting and non-physical discipline but it celebrates children and reminds us all that while children can sometimes be hard work they are also a lot of fun. Their healthy development is something that we all need to promote. The illustrations capture the wonder of childhood and some of its trials and tribulations".

"My office unashamedly supports discouraging physical punishment and I am very pleased to have been able to support the development of this booklet".

Contacts: Roger McClay, Commissioner for Children 04 4711410

ENDS

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