Ministry of Social Development
Finalist: Best Plain English Document — Public Sector / Non-Government Organisation 2012
Strategies with Kids, Information for Parents (SKIP) — New Dads series
Judges' comment
It was clear, natural conversational language. Two of us particularly liked the colloquialisms (eg “It's all good.”). Well-planned, well presented, well expressed.
Media statement
The SKIP (Strategies with Kids, Information for Parents) team and the Ministry of Social Development are encouraged and delighted to be recognised in the Plain English Awards for our New Dads booklet series.
Encouraging dads to be involved as early as possible is vital to children’s growth and development. As part of our strategy to engage fathers right from the start, we worked closely with the New Zealand College of Midwives (NZCOM) and Great Fathers on these three resources, which midwives give to dads at key times during their baby’s pre- and post-natal development.
These booklets may be the only parenting information that some new dads ever receive. So we knew it was really important that they were brief, clear and action-focused. As with other SKIP resources, the booklets use a mix of pictures, quotes and practical tips that can be easily understood by the many thousands of parents from different backgrounds and cultures who access our information.
So far we’ve had a great response to the series, with feedback from both fathers and midwives confirming that the series is easy to read and particularly appeals to young first-time dads who might not otherwise seek out parenting advice.
Fritha Lindsay
Senior Advisor — Planning, Performance and Governance