New parenting initiative, a promising plan
‘Our Family Promise’ – 12 positive actions to strengthen families – will be launched tonight by Ian and Mary Grant of
‘Parenting With Confidence’ as part of a ‘Parenting Week’ seminar at Majestic House, 126 Manchester St
Developed by Christchurch City Council in partnership with Selwyn District Council, ‘Our Family Promise’ provides a
structure to keep families communicating positively, Liz Ellington, a Christchurch City Council Children’s and Youth
Advocacy project officer said.
About 1200 parents, registered to hear Ian and Mary Grant speak this week, will be among the first to receive details of
the promise. It will then be sent as a fridge magnet to families of children at primary and intermediate schools in
Christchurch and the Selwyn District.
“Parents, caregivers and whanau will be encouraged to discuss the twelve positive actions with their children, after
which each family member will sign at the bottom.,” Ms Ellington said. “ ‘Our Family Promise’ is being distributed as a
laminated fridge magnet, so that it remains as a constant reminder of the actions and behaviours agreed upon.”
Sponsorship for the project has come from Papanui Rotary Club, the Keith Laugesen Trust and the Christian Healing Trust
The concept is based on a previous initiative of the Ashburton Safer Community Council called the Family Charter, which
was launched by the Commissioner for Children in 2001.
Copies of ‘Our Family Promise’ are available from the Children’s and Youth Advocacy Office, Christchurch City Council.