Family First is sticking by a inflammatory report it commissioned that claims NZ children who spend a lot of time in childcare are more stressed than those who do not.
The report, Who Cares, was prepared by UK psychologist Aric Sigman and calls for an overhaul of the system to provide more support for "undervalued" mothers.
Sigman argues that attending daycare for an extended time, and the consequent separation from parents, is a significant source of stress for many young children which could have potential long-term consequences for their health as adults.
The report cites elevated levels of the hormone cortisol, which causes stress, in a significant number of children who attend daycare for long periods.
Among his recommendations, Sigman says paid parental leave should be extended to allow parents more time with their children, and the Government's preference for childcare facilities should be scrapped in favour of providing more help for stay at home parents.
However, Sarah Farquhar from Child Forum said people cannot look at the interests of the child without looking at the interests of the family.
"A lot of parents don't have a choice. And how do we create choices for parents so a parent can choose to stay home if they wish, and if that is what's going to be in the best interest of the child, they can also work if they wish and they can use early childhood care if they wish," said Farquhar.
"There's no reason for parents to feel bad if their child is thriving."
Sigman has hit the headlines before after claiming in 2009 that Facebook and other social networking sites cause cancer.
He has been accused of "cherry-picking" evidence and ignoring factors which did not support this theory.
"Compelling evidence"
Family First is making no apologies for the report, with national director Bob McCoskrie saying it gives an insight into the value of early childhood education - a service the Government has invested heavily in.
"This report provides compelling evidence that the political and policy focus has been on the needs of the economy and the demands on mothers, rather than on the welfare of children and the vital role of parents," McCoskrie said.
Sigman's recommendations
- Discussions of childcare must have the wellbeing of the child as
the main priority, not parental guilt.
- The current "bias" whereby the Government invests in professionals to care for children while offering no tax breaks or economic incentives for parents who sacrifice careers and income to be full-time carers for their young children should be removed.
- Full-time mothers should be recognised and valued, and full-time parenting should be seen as a child's right.
- Paid parental leave should be extended considerably so that parents are not compelled to compromise good parenting because they have to work full-time to survive financially.
The full report can be
downloaded from here.
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