Grass might be greener, but dreams are sometimes hard

Grass might be greener, but dreams are sometimes hard to achieve

MEDIA RELEASE
25 October 2012

This week, our Dragon Baby story is about a man who came to New Zealand to provide a better, greener environment for his family, and a better education system for his son.

But the dream wasn’t that easy to achieve – Asian migrant David shares his experience
of managing and negotiating a healthy transition for his son from one culture to another.

Many Asian parents will relate to the difficulties he has faced: adjusting to a more holistic approach to education, encouraging potential over competition, becoming a positive role model, learning to adjust to Kiwi ways and more.

David’s story is the fourth in a series posted on the Mental Health Foundation’s English-Mandarin Kai Xin Xing Dong website that are intended to support and encourage new parents.
We are posting one story a week 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, knowing where to find these can be all you need to feel more confident. We hope by reading these parents' stories you 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 touch on post natal depression and where to get help.

The 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.

David’s story - http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/kaixinxingdong/page/493-resources+dragon-babies+parents-stories+david

ENDS

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