The First Step's The Hardest

Section 59 is now history. Today heralds a victory for the nation as a whole, for children in particular and certainly one that Plunket can celebrate in its centenary year.

For Plunket's New Zealand President Carol Becker, this marks the beginning of a journey that New Zealanders will take to become a less violent, more nurturing society.

'We have the mandate, we have the ability to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life. What we achieve for the sake of our children's future is now up to us as a nation' says Carol. 'It will be Plunket's place, the government's place, and the role of countless organisations and agencies to support parents as they negotiate this journey.'

To achieve this, Plunket delivers a range of positive parenting services to families. Marg Bigsby, Plunket clinical advisor says, 'Positive parenting is a practical and effective way of building a good parent-child relationship while shaping and guiding a child's behaviour. Plunket stresses the importance of parents talking and listening, establishing limits and boundaries, and providing love and warmth.'

'Children of all ages respond to praise and encouragement and need a structured secure world that includes consistency and predictable consequences. They need to know they're loved and what the rules are.'

She acknowledges, 'Many of us may not have been raised this way ourselves and may feel unsure how to go about putting positive parenting into practice. A first step might be seeking out Plunket, or one of the many parenting programmes and initiatives around the country, many of which are offered for low or no cost.'

Establishing legislation to protect children, along with positive parenting education which Plunket, amongst others, delivers may be one of the most promising forward steps New Zealand has ever taken.

ENDS

About the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society
The Royal New Zealand Plunket Society (Plunket) this year celebrates its centenary year. Plunket is New Zealand's largest provider of services to support the health and development of children under five and is dedicated to working with parents and communities to ensure that New Zealand children get the best start in life. Plunket's services help families nationwide, through 550 branches, mobile clinics and a free phone service, PlunketLine. For more information go to www.plunket.org.nz

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