Hi ! Act Local
IDEAS ABOUT HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE WELLBEING OF CHILDREN IN YOUR FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
Never underestimate how powerful one small act of kindness can be for our children and those who care for them. Lots of small steps will get us to our goal of thriving children and flourishing families.
HOME
- Get up close: Our children thrive when we have good relationships with them. Give lots of hugs and kisses. Tell your children you love them and how special they are to you
- Our kids are what they experience: Our kids do what we do. Model the way you want them to be by your own actions
- Spend time with your children: Do things together that you both enjoy. Listen to your children
- Correct the behaviour not the child: for example, when your small child jumps on the sofa, try saying ‘please sit down so you don’t fall’ rather than ‘you naughty boy, you never do anything I say’.
EXTENDED FAMILY AND WHANAU
- Notice how things are for others: Keep an eye and an ear open about how other family members are managing. Offer help early if you notice signs of stress
- Model for the younger ones safe and healthy ways for them to be with their children: Show by your actions different styles of parenting. Be clear about what is OK and what is not. Praise young or new parents when you see them doing great things with their children. We all love to be acknowledged
- Share stories about what works for you: Story telling from your own best experience is a great way to get new ideas across to people, without them feeling judged
- Treasure those aunties, uncles, grandparents and special friends out there: You play such an important role in loving the children around you. Those special times you share can be magic experiences throughout a child’s life and you may be the person they first turn to if they need help.
WORKPLACES
- Family friendly activities: How about making the next work social function child friendly and easy for parents
- Get alongside parents at work: try to make it OK for people to share the challenges they are facing. Give practical supportive advice, ask them what kind of changes they want to make and help them find the right service if needed
- Be interested in new dads and their experiences; this is often a time of huge change. Be supportive as they adjust to the new responsibilities and loss of sleep!
NEIGHBOURHOOD
- Commit to getting to know your neighbours: Have a potluck barbeque and invite the ten houses closest to you
- Be interested in the children in your street: Get to know their names and who’s in their family
- Look out for children at your sports club, church, cultural group and other local activities. Be active and have fun with the children. Arrange a game rather than expecting the children to be quiet and wait for the adult activity to finish. Make up stories or read a book aloud
- Notice and care: we all find it easier to ask for help from people we already know. And when you know your neighbours, it’s easier to offer help when they might need it.
Other ways you can show your support:
