KEY POINTS:
We are all distressed by the stories of abused and neglected children, or of children not attending school and of missing out on opportunities.
New Zealanders have been looking for answers to these problems for decades. There have been policies and programmes but despite these efforts, the lives of many of our children remain poor.
Solutions have to be found to all these problems. But we first need to understand what creates happy, healthy children as well as what is happening in homes where children are disadvantaged.
Otherwise, we are just guessing at what solutions might work.
That is what a new study under way in Auckland and the Waikato is designed to do. Led by the University of Auckland, Growing Up in New Zealand is the most comprehensive study ever undertaken into the lives of New Zealand children.
The study will look at what is really happening to children in New Zealand families and what makes them resilient. It will provide an insight into all aspects of their lives, including those children who suffer abuse at the hands of those who should care for them.
The real value of long-term research like Growing Up is that not only will it benefit those we know to be disadvantaged, but also every child and family in this country.
When we talk about improving the lives of our children, many of us tend to think of children in disadvantaged families as the most in need of having their lives bettered.
However, we need to remember that although there are too many disadvantaged children in New Zealand, that group is small in number compared to the total population.
Sadly, the rest of the population will also produce a great number of children in New Zealand at risk of abuse or neglect, as well as those who are socially disadvantaged.
Growing Up in New Zealand will provide a better understanding of the causes that lead to particular developmental outcomes, whether those are good or poor. Improving the lives of all New Zealand's children relies on helping those most at risk, as well as working together as a community to help the children and families outside of the at-risk group.
It also relies on discovering the parenting skills that result in happy, healthy children so these can be passed on to every family to use in their homes.
The information Growing Up in New Zealand provides will be of great value to agencies and other organisations that work with children and families in their efforts to improve the lives of all our children.
Growing Up in New Zealand is recruiting the 7800 mums and their partners needed for this population study.
The location of the study and numbers of participants ensures Growing Up reflects contemporary New Zealand - its urban/rural differences, cultural diversity and wealth distribution.
Significantly, for the first time, fathers and partners are being invited to contribute to a child development study, recognising their role in children's lives.
Unlike other longitudinal studies around the world, this begins in the third trimester of pregnancy and includes questions about the mother's (and father's or partner's) plans and expectations. The study will quickly build up a significant body of data, so much so that you can expect to be reading about results from Growing Up within two years.
And it is these results, and those that follow, that will help us all, including policy-makers, better understand the lives of our children in 21st century New Zealand.
It is heartening to know, however, that it is rewarding for parents, too. Growing Up has already had positive feedback from some expectant couples. This includes:
"My husband and I loved the questions; so much to think about, we learnt so much about what might affect our baby growing up."
"I liked how it wasn't just about the baby. It included all the things about health and wellbeing and family relationships and even all the economic things, which is really important."
"I like the programme - when I heard the questions I thought there are good things happening that will help me to bring up my children."
Even more heartening are the hopes and dreams these couples had for their babies. These included their child being happy and healthy, to feel secure and loved and to grow up in a safe environment with strong family and cultural connections.
They also wanted their children to have a good education, to be successful in life and to have a better life than their own.
With parents' involvement in Growing Up, and our collective expertise, we will advise with hard data the actions that need to be taken to ensure all New Zealand children live happy and fulfilling lives.
Growing Up in New Zealand is recruiting pregnant women to be a part of this research project. If you live in Auckland City, South Auckland or the Waikato (as far south as National Park), please contact Growing Up at www.growingup.co.nz or on 0508 476 946 (0508 GROWING UP).
* Dr Susan Morton of the University of Auckland is director of the new survey.
