PRESS RELEASE

Friday 1 March 2013

How Do We Treasure Our Children?

Communities round the country are hosting free events this Sunday (3 March) to celebrate Children’s Day.

Dr Russell Wills, Children’s Commissioner says Children’s Day is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how we show our children we treasure them.

“Children’s Day is a national day to recognise our country’s children as our taonga or treasure,” says Dr Wills.

“It is a day of fun, and an opportunity to spend time together as a family at one of the events planned near you. But Children’s Day is also about something more. Children are our treasure and this Children’s Day is the perfect opportunity for us all to stop and think about how we show that.

“Parents have the job of making sure children have all the things they need to thrive. That means lots of love, a warm safe place to live, and an environment where they can grow into confident and happy adults. But parents can’t do this on their own.

“Friends and families can help share the load and offer to help by picking up children or spending time together. Community organisations can organise events for families and share parenting tips. Businesses, employers and government agencies can reflect on how they make children a priority through their organisation’s policies.

“I hope this Children’s Day everyone takes the time to do something to treasure their children, and that we all make a commitment to make sure children come first not just on Sunday but every other day,” says Dr Wills.

There are lots of fun, free events around the country ranging from large community events to smaller events organised by individuals. They include medieval madness in Whangarei, a community meal in Taumarunui, and Teddy Bears’ Picnics across the country.

For tips on things to do to treasure our children, or to find out what’s on this Children’s Day visit www.childrensday.org.nz

Children’s Day is a national, non-commercial, event that celebrates children and gives adults an opportunity to spend fun time with children.

ENDS

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