Dope Smoking, Quality Time And Single Dads on Pepi

PUBLICITY RELEASE
FOR RELEASE MON MAY 23 TO SUN MAY 29

DOPE SMOKING, QUALITY TIME AND SINGLE DADS ON PEPI PANEL SHOW

PEPI – Maori Television’s reality parenting series – welcomes another group of manuhiri to address parents’ concerns as it broadcasts its monthly panel show this Tuesday May 24 at 8.00 PM.

PEPI host Pirihira Hollings is met this week by family doctor Dr Shane Reti, lawyer Ophir Cassidy, Department of Labour senior advisor Brandi Hudson and Avondale Intermediate School principal Rota Carrington to talk about a host of problems penned by Maori Television-viewing parents about their precious bundles.

PEPI is a reality television series where four first-time parents are followed as they live through the ups and downs of their babies’ first year. While the gritty realities of parenting are shown through peeks at their lives, a panel show is included each month as an educational and supportive resource for first time parents.

The guests on the monthly panel show this week have an eclectic range of problems to deal with – from a father concerned that his partner won’t stop smoking marijuana around their newborn to a single dad wanting to know how to break into the single parent social scene.

The series offers sound advice and contacts for specialist support groups, according to the seriousness of the problem. Says Dr Reti on the marijuana issue : “what we’re talking about here is passive marijuana smoking and there is evidence of harm. Baby can become more irritable and need more feeding, and there are also signs of slowing down of motor development. But I think another issue is what on earth do these friends think they are doing by giving a baby marijuana? That is an adult response to adult issues and totally unacceptable.”

Further on, a working mum expresses a common frustration – that of balancing a robust working life with parenthood. Brandi’s advice? “The reality is, you’re going to cope. Women and fathers out there that you think are coping definitely have their moments.”

And, further solace is offered to a single father who writes in feeling ignored by the mums in his area. Another one for Brandi : “Your confidence in other people is really important. Get along to the kohanga – especially if you can fix things!”

PEPI – babies and bedlam on Maori Television every Tuesday night at 8.00 PM.

Ends

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