15 May 2008
Media statement
He Mana tō ia Tamaiti/ Every Child Counts
International Families Day: baby blip also brings father blip
“With births reaching their highest numbers since 1972, the baby blip also brings a father blip With more new babies
there are more new Dads and this means more men juggling the responsibilities and challenges of being a father,” said
Murray Edridge, Chair of Every Child Counts.
“The theme for international Families Day (15 May 2008) is ‘Fathering: responsibilities and challenges’. It’s important
for people to reflect on what the responsibilities and challenges are for fathers and encourage them to support
each-other, and get additional support if they need it.
“Whether it’s the juggle of paid work and playing an equitable role in the unpaid work at home; balancing parenting and
being a loving partner; managing life on less sleep than before; financial pressures; maintaining friendships, hobbies,
or other interests; or reflecting on ones’ own childhood to bring positive parenting and good experiences to the lives
of our own children … the challenges are endless.
“Through all of these challenges we learn new strategies and we also experience huge rewards. Among the best aspects of
fathering is recognising the great joy we can create in our children when we put everything else aside to spend time
playing, reading and being with our children.
“As fathers, we have a unique contribution to make to the lives and well-being of our children and we also have some
awesome responsibilities to meet. For new fathers and those with adolescents the responsibilities can seem especially
daunting. So, on Families Day, Every Child Counts encourage all New Zealanders to talk with the fathers they know. Ask
them what they do to manage the responsibilities and challenges of fathering and encourage them to talk with other Dads
too,” concluded Mr Edridge.
ends