MEDIA RELEASE
Mental Health Foundation of NZ: 8 October 2012
Chinese children do not need to be number one all the time says father
Raymond is a Malaysian-born Chinese father of two New Zealand-born children – his pride and joy! He wants other Chinese dads to realise that in New Zealand children don’t need to be ‘number one’ all the time. And, as well as being a committed father, he tries to be a good husband.
Raymond’s story is the third in a series of articles posted on the Mental Health Foundation’s English-Mandarin Kai Xin Xing Dong website. The articles are intended to support and encourage new parents during the Year of the Dragon.
When extended families do not reside in the same country, there are often more challenges for parents, especially if you are a first-time parent bringing up your newborn in New Zealand society. The Mental Health Foundation understands that new parents need help and support and, sometimes, just by 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.
Subjects discussed in Raymond’s story include the importance of peer support, instilling tradition, using positive reinforcement and how fatherhood can be hugely rewarding.
Our articles are published online in English and Mandarin and give lots of practical advice for the first years of a child’s life and beyond. They also 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.
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.
For more information please contact:
Paula Taylor
Communications, Marketing Manager
09 300 7025
021 300 594
paula@mentalhealth.org.nz
For comment in Mandarin, please contact:
Ivan Yeo
Mental Health Promoter
09 300 7017
027 2808 972
ivan@mentalhealth.org.nz
