Do we need a "parenting champion"? BBC Radio Wales wants to know what you think

[HelenMumsnet]

Hello.

BBC Radio Wales wants to know what Mumsnetters think of the proposal that there should be a national "parenting champion" - whose job it would be to ensure that all parents in Wales have access to the services and support they need to give their children the best possible start in life.

Here's the blurb from Helen Mary Jones, chair of the National Assembly for Wales' Children and Young People Committee, which has proposed the idea: "There is also a cultural perception that parenting support is something to be embarrassed about, as if it's only for 'failed parents.' Many of the parents we spoke with in our inquiry said they felt embarrassed or afraid when asking for parenting support, when they should have been applauded for trying to provide the best parenting possible for their children.

"We believe the Welsh government needs to appoint a senior figure, who wouldn't be a civil servant or a government Minister, but who would work with the government to co-ordinate parenting support. We think they should be called the "parenting champion," and be responsible for providing leadership, better-co ordination of work across government departments, eradicating stigma associated with parenting support, and developing a recognised 'National Parenting Brand' for all activities undertaken to support parents."

Good idea? Or just a gimmick?

Please do let us know what you think...

[CherryChoc]

Isn't this basically what sure start was intended to do? Do they not have sure start in Wales then?

[Tortington]

100k to lunch and write 'strategies'. cwoor imagine the expenses you could claim - ooh ...ooh company car....ECUA of £2 per mile

bloody great

i'll do it for 50k and make a difference.

its called parenting classed - for all

there is no stigma if there is no discrimination or directing of resources to uncerclass parents ( as per)

so lets change the culture and make child benefit conditional on attending parent courses.

can i have 50k please?

if thats not it - then yeah - i think its sure start your talkin about there.

[beanieb]

Wonders which one of her colleagues is asking for contributors

[codinbatter]

"better-co ordination of work across government departments"

never heard that one before. When are we going to get this joined-up Government they keep promising?
Can I have the job of co-ordinating the co-ordinators please.

[HuwEdwards]

gimmick

imo, we are too much of a nanny state anyway...I think these positions undermine parents.

"be responsible for providing leadership, better-co ordination of work across government departments" errr, so this is a post to ensure the Government is doing what it should be...?

This position has no real palpable deliverables, it's all talk and no trousers.

[MmeLindt]

I agree with Custardo, and would like to nominate her for the job.

Why do government agencies assume that to make a difference we need to create yet another agency?

[ShauntheSheep]

Why dotn we jsut get the existing people and depts to just do their jobs properly?

Def sounds like a gimmick to me.

[BonsoirAnna]

How on earth would anyone decide what parenting method/strategies the parenting chamption should adopt? There are so many conflicting parenting methods out there.

[JustineMumsnet]

So turns out we've been bumped by the Speaker - preparing to announce his resignation - thanks for all your responses nonetheless - sure to come in useful at some point.