Protecting children is everybody's business

Protecting children is everybody's business

Children are our most vulnerable population and not enough is being done to protect them, says child protection organisation Child Matters.

Parenting is a big job, and we all need help sometimes. Every parent knows what it’s like to not have enough sleep, and have children crying, throwing tantrums - just doing what children do. It is important for parents to know that this type of behaviour is normal, as are a parent’s feelings of stress and frustration.

To protect our most vulnerable, it is important that parents are aware of some practical ideas to reduce the stress of parenting, and for family, friends and neighbours to reach out when a parent is stressed.

Child Matters advises that there are lots of useful ideas that family, friends and neighbours can share with families. These include:

Child, Youth and Family…………………….. 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459)

Plunket………………………………….…………… 0800 933 922

Healthline…………………………………….……. 0800 611 116

Barnardos……………………………………….…. 0800 472 7368

Youthline for Young Parents………………. 0800 376 633

Your midwife or family doctor

Have a support network - have a network of people to call on for advice and support. Take time out regularly by arranging for an appropriate babysitter to care for the child.

-ENDS-

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