23 March 2011

Plunket welcomes the report issued this week by children's commissioner John Angus into the care of New Zealand’s under-two-year-olds.

Chief Executive Jenny Prince says Plunket agrees with the report’s finding that parents should be supported to spend longer with their children in the first year of their babies' lives.

“Plunket is dedicated to working with parents and communities to ensure that New Zealand children get the best start in life.

“Society is increasingly aware of just how important the first years are in a child’s life. It’s the time when mother and child bond, when breastfeeding has the most benefit and when new parents make significant adjustments to their way of life and relationships.

“We know that when time is invested early to support parents in the practise of parenting, it reduces the risk of poor long-term outcomes for children,” she says.

“Parents need the chance to spend time with their babies. Society has an important role to play in supporting parents so that they don’t feel pressure to return to work or manage on a suddenly reduced income.”

Plunket advocate for all children in New Zealand should have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

ENDS

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