6 May 2004
SKIP for parents
Parents raising preschoolers will get more support from a new initiative launched by Social Development and Employment
Minister Steve Maharey today.
The $10.8 million SKIP: Strategies with Kids – Information for Parents campaign will work with community groups to
provide resources and training for parents and caregivers of children up to five years old. The campaign comprises: a
$3.7 million SKIP Local Initiatives Fund for community groups wanting funding for local positive parenting projects will
be available over the next two years; $4.4 million to strengthen and expand existing parenting programmes; $1.8 million
is being spent on the production of national resources to support the campaign, and $900,000 for monitoring, research
and evaluation.
Steve Maharey said research shows that the most effective parenting uses love and nurturing and strong boundaries.
“Raising a child can be very challenging and parents tell us they are interested in learning new skills and strategies.
As well as boosting training, SKIP will be producing lots of practical tips for parents trying to cope with the everyday
challenges of bringing up small children.
“SKIP has been developed following extensive consultation with community groups. A strong theme that emerged from this
was the need to tap into the organisations that have the history, the infrastructure and the networks to work with
parents and children.
“With that in mind, one of SKIP’s three strands is developing national resources for training providers and parents
wanting information and advice. The second strand will work with community organisations such as Plunket and Barnardos,
to help them strengthen their existing programmes and services.
“The government believes strongly that making an investment in the health and capability of our children today is vital
for the well-being of New Zealanders tomorrow. SKIP will give parents practical advice and support on society’s most
important job – raising the next generation of dependable adults,” Steve Maharey said.
Q. What is SKIP?
A. SKIP is a strategy designed to provide parents with information about raising children to be happy, dependable
adults.
Q. How will SKIP inform parents about useful strategies?
A. SKIP will partner with community groups working with families and children to develop training and resources for
families. SKIP will not duplicate what already exists, but will build on what’s there and fill any gaps. Several groups
have already approached the project team asking for support to develop initiatives.
Q. How much is this going to cost?
A. SKIP has a budget of $10.8 million over three years. It includes a $3.6 million SKIP Local Initiatives Fund for
community groups wanting funding for local positive parenting projects, $4.4 million to be invested strengthening
existing programmes and services and $1.8 million is being spent on the production of national resources to support the
campaign.
Q. Is there any research informing the strategy?
A. Yes. The Ministry of Social Development has commissioned research, and early indications are that a majority of
parents want more information on parenting. The Children’s Issues Centre in Dunedin has also conducted an in-depth
review of relevant research. This research will be published shortly.
Q. What are effective strategies?
A. Effective strategies use love and nurture, and boundaries, to guide children. They teach children right from
wrong and teach children to be independent, to know how to relate to other people and to be socially responsible.
Q. What if these don’t work?
A. Some children can be more difficult than others. Understanding why children behave the way they do is part of
developing a range of strategies. There are times when children do seem completely out-of-control and there are lots of
reasons they behave this way. They may be hungry, tired, scared or anxious, or simply testing boundaries. They may be
going through a phase when tantrums are the only way they can deal with strong emotional overload. There are a number of
effective strategies for coping with these times
Q. Why is the government launching SKIP?
A. Countries all over the world, including England, Ireland, Canada Scotland, Spain, Scandinavia, and Australia are
doing similar work. This has been prompted by research and is supported by UNICEF and Save the Children. Effective
parenting is part of a wider picture, where our children have the best possible opportunity to realise their full
potential and grow into dependable adults. This Government is totally committed to that.
Q. Will other organisations be involved?
A. Yes. SKIP will work closely with community organisations such as Plunket, Barnardos, kindergartens and
playcentres.
ENDS