It is only in recent times that parents and caregivers have been left to parent alone. For centuries, children were raised within the shared support of extended family, whānau or aiga. It’s a tough job raising children, and if you are a parent or caregiver, it is only to be expected that you will need advice and support. It’s OK to ask for help.
Grandparents, aunties and uncles, friends and neighbours are all good sources of support, and strong family and community networks are the building blocks for flourishing families. If there are children in your whānau or neighbourhood, you have an important role. It is particularly important to give extra support to a parent who is on their own.
Our network of community services focus on building strong families, and keeping them safe from abuse and neglect. If you would like to contact someone for help, you can call one of our services in your area.
You may find other services that may suit your situation better, or that offer services in your own language or culture, through:
• Are You Okay, 0800 456 450
• your local Parent Centre, Plunket or Well Child organisation
• your local Iwi Social Service or Pasifica Network
• any child and family social service in your area
• Women’s Refuge (under “W” in the phone book) or - for a violent partner - an agency that is part of the Stopping Violence Services network (0800 478 778)
• the National Services Directory www.familyservices.govt.nz
• your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
If you are a grandparent or other family member raising children for other whānau, or a foster parent or caregiver with full or part time care of someone else’s child, there is support available in your community especially for people in your situation. Raising someone else’s child has particular stresses. Check out the help available from support groups and associations such as Grandparents raising Grandchildren and the Family and Foster Care Federation. www.raisinggrandchildren.org.nz and www.nzfostercare.org.nz.
If you are in a parent’s family/whānau or circle of friends, offer your help and support. A break from child care, some adult conversation and a supportive ear can make all the difference. Take the time to give them a call.
Sole parents carry the responsibility alone for raising, nurturing and caring for children, as well as for home maintenance, income and financial management. Give extra support to sole parents in your community, neighbourhood and family circle.
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