Fathers Can Build Enduring Relationships With Their Children
MEDIA RELEASE
5 November
Kai Xin Xing Dong - the Mental Health Foundation's bilingual English-Mandarin Like Minds, Like Mine programme - talks to
Dutch-Kiwi Rudy Bakker, about how he took an active role in bringing up his two daughters, and now his two grandsons. http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/kaixinxingdong/page/497-resources+dragon-babies+parents-stories+rudy-bakker
Rudy relates his experience on the KXXD website, to help new parents in this the Year of the Dragon and in the run up to
Postnatal Depression Awareness Week 17-25 November.
In Chinese society, a husband or father’s primary role is outside the home and a wife or mother’s primarily role is to
take care of the home and children. As the standard of living changes, however, these roles are now less strictly
defined. Rudy is a man who knows about breaking out of gender-defined parenting role and offers some wisdom.
His story is the sixth in a series of Dragon Baby stories about the challenges Chinese parents face bringing up their
newborn “dragon babies” in New Zealand society.
We understand that new parents need help and support and, sometimes, just by knowing where to find these can be all you
need to feel more confident. We hope by reading these parents' stories people will not feel so alone.
The stories also give lots of practical advice for the first years of a child’s life and beyond. They also touch on post
natal depression and where to get help.
The Mental Health Foundation also supplies an excellent free postnatal depression pamphlet for English speakers. http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/shop/item/view/19/61/
The Dragon Baby series coincides with the launch of the Chinese Mental Health Consultation Services’ new Vagus helpline.
All stories are published online in English and Mandarin.
Vagus Line 0800 56 76 666
This new service is to promote family harmony among Chinese, enhance parenting skills, decrease conflict among family
members (couple, parent-child, in-laws) and stop family violence. It provides free, confidential and professional
advice, such as parenting strategies and communication skills. If necessary, clients can be referred to Vagus
counselling services or related resources. Service hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 12 noon to 2pm.
Year of the Dragon
2012 is the Chinese Year of the Dragon and has given rise to the phrase "dragon baby" for families expecting a new
arrival. The dragon is the mightiest zodiac sign in Chinese astrology, and is associated with traits such as success,
ambition and independence. Many mothers consider this to be a particularly auspicious year to give birth. In recognition
of this, we have made a special Dragon Baby section on the Kai Xin Xing Dong website, where we offer Chinese language
information for new and expectant mothers.
Kai Xin Xing Dong
Kai Xin Xing Dong is a Like Minds, Like Mine public education programme aimed at reducing the stigma and discrimination
faced by Chinese people who experience mental illness. The project is funded by the Ministry of Health and guided by the
Kai Xin Xing Dong Advisory Group.
ENDS