Parents’ expertise will inform child research

MEDIA RELEASE

Growing Up in New Zealand

Date: 28 January 2009

Parents’ expertise will inform child research

Nearly 8000 sets of New Zealand parents will provide university researchers with information about their child’s development in a project designed to improve the lives of all New Zealand children.

Led by Dr Susan Morton of the University of Auckland, one of the key outcomes from the study is learning what makes children resilient.

“So often we read about poor outcomes for some children in New Zealand, and like everyone, that causes us great concern.

“We want to find solutions to these problems, but our view is that we first need to understand what creates happy, healthy children, otherwise we are just guessing at what solutions might work.

As Dr Morton notes, “That’s where our 7,800 mums and their partners are so valuable to us and every other parent in New Zealand”.

“Each of these parents - whether they are having their first baby or another baby - can share their own expertise with us and be an active part of reducing those poor outcomes”, continues Dr Morton.

“Everyone brings their own perspective to this research - to what it is that creates happy, healthy Kiwi kids - and Growing Up will be giving credit to them and their communities for their successes.

“I’m certain that with parents’ involvement with Growing Up in New Zealand, our collective expertise, can improve the lives of all New Zealand children”, says Dr Morton.

Growing Up in New Zealand is currently recruiting pregnant women to be a part of this research project.

Every pregnant woman who is due to have a baby between 25 April and 25 December this year, and lives in the area from Auckland City to National Park is invited with her partner to join Growing Up.

For more information, or to be a part of Growing Up, women can call our freephone 0508 476 946 or register online at www.growingup.co.nz

ENDS

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