Parent classes: nanny state or sensible state?
The prime minister launches free parenting classes in trial areas saying it is “ludicrous” people have to train to drive a car but can bring up a baby with no practice at all. Do you agree?
Vouchers for £100-worth of parenting classes are now on offer from high street chemist Boots and health professionals to parents of children aged up to five in three trial areas.
There will also be a new targeted NHS email and text service aimed at those expecting a baby or in the first month of parenthood.
It is designed to provide “regular, relevant and tailored” advice such as videos of midwives demonstrating bathing and other techniques, plus advice from other parents.
The prime minister said it was ludicrous that people had to train before they were allowed to drive a car but could bring up a baby with no practice at all.
Initially the parenting classes will be piloted in Middlesbrough, Camden in north London and High Peak, Derbyshire – but they could be extended throughout England and Wales if successful.
As well as parenting classes and the new digital service, subsidised relationship support sessions will also be piloted from July for all expectant parents and those with children up to the age of two.
The project will be tested in York, Leeds, North Essex, the City of London and the London boroughs of Hackney, Islington and Westminster, with up to £1m made available for the trial up to March 2014.
Do you think this is a good idea? Have your say on our Facebook page.
Derrick Simpson - If the Government want to help families they should expand the Surestart services, making it accessible to every family in the country.
Catherine Bisset - There's strong international evidence that parenting skills can reduce reoffending, especially in women offenders and it deters kids from developing problems later on.
Christopher Mark Disney Thomson - Some people need the help.
Geraldine Wall - Can we have vouchers for Eton instead?
‘Not the nanny state – sensible state’
Mr Cameron said: “Parents are nation-builders.
“It’s through love and sheer hard work that we raise the next generation with the right values.
“That’s why this government is doing everything possible to support parents.
“This is not the nanny state – it’s the sensible state.
“It’s ludicrous that we should expect people to train for hours to drive a car or use a computer, but when it comes to looking after a baby we tell people to just get on with it.
“I would have loved more guidance when my children were babies.
“We’ve all been there when it’s the middle of the night, your child won’t stop crying and you don’t know what to do.
“And to those who say that Government should forget about parenting and families and focus on the big, gritty issues, I’d say these are the big, gritty issues.
“Families don’t just shape us as individuals, they make a stronger society.
“That’s why supporting families is right at the top of our agenda – and I’m going to make sure it stays that way.”