December 2007 Newsletter 6

newsletter_6_web.pdf

June 2007 Newsletter 5

newsletterjun07_web.pdf

June 2006
 newsletterissue3.pdf

December 2006
newsletter_4_web.pdf

Of all the disturbing reports on the treatment of Nia Glassie, perhaps the hardest to believe is that this wee girl sustained abuse, over weeks- perhaps months. People must have seen. Someone should have contacted the authorities. This level of abuse has to be a community issue and the only way we can attack our appalling child abuse statistics is by dealing with it as such. We can no longer afford to stand by and witness the breakdown of our family structure. Every child in New Zealand is precious; they are our future and should be given every opportunity to reach their full potential. We need to do more at a policy level than shake our heads in disgust and wait for the next horrific incident.

We must identify, right from the outset, those children most at risk and target resources to their parents and caregivers. Our expensive public education system includes no compulsory content or training on child development, on the critical importance of the first three years of life. Undeniably, all New Zealand communities would benefit from better parenting support and assistance but inevitably some more than others: those historically disadvantaged, often from the bottom of the socio-economic spectrum, young parents from a deprived background who have received little care and affection, who have little education, with early childhood experiences of domestic violence, abuse, alcohol and drug dependency, poor parenting and educational disadvantage. These high-risk parents are identifiable from early pregnancy.

There are community organisations out there to provide the necessary help and assistance. But are they getting to those most in need before it’s too late? Nia’s situation again highlights urgent need for discussion around Cindy Kiro’s comprehensive tracking plan, or Graeme MacCormick’s idea for a universal welfare and needs assessment for every child at birth.

If Nia survives this appalling abuse; even if she doesn’t have clinical brain damage, how much damage would her developing brain have received during the prolonged abuse that will have changed her life forever? New Zealand’s inexcusable youth crime statistics are populated with young offenders whose young lives are scattered with incidents of chronic maltreatment, parent inflicted injury, complete failure of attachment –all culminating in damaged impulse control. If Nia survives this, will she be at high risk of joining the ranks of feared young offenders?

It is imperative that every New Zealander involved with young children knows the critical ‘brain building’ importance of the first three years of life, and how to help give children the best start. This is what will shape our society.

Written by Kim van Duiven, Executive Director  and Judy Bailey, Deputy Chair, Trustee

The Cuddlewrap is back! We are able again to make our fabulous, free Cuddlewrap for babies available nationwide in August. It has been made possible with the help of Sport & Recreation New Zealand (SPARC). SPARC’s Active Movement initiative promotes the message that quality physical movement is important for the healthy development of a child’s brain and that young children learn from movement and being physically active, which complements Brainwave’s philosophy.

The wrap will once again be distributed by Bounty Services through their gift pack. Bounty has shown support for this venture through part sponsoring distribution - reaching approximately 98% of new parents nationwide The wrap is printed with key Brainwave messages in four languages, English, Maori, Samoan and Chinese, to encourage the healthy nurturing needed for optimal brain development.  They read;
“I love it when you cuddle me - I love it when you sing to me- I love it when you smile at me- I love it when you talk to me. Did you know you’re building my brain when you do these things?”
We also provide our colourful fifteen page booklet filled with fascinating information about how a baby’s brain develops and how parents can ensure the best possible start for their child. As we say, “The first three years last forever”, and the best thing parents can do to ensure their baby grows into a healthy, happy, stable, contributing adult, is to simply provide consistent loving care.

The Cuddlewrap is a powerful tool to reinforce that message. We believe every child in New Zealand deserves parents who know about this?

Brainwave Newsletter Issue 5 has been released.
You can view or download it by clicking here:  newsletterjun07_web.pdf

We welcome your feedback via the comments box or email.