Launch of 'Living with Stepfamilies' magazine and video

13/11/97

People living in step or blended families now have a new resource to help them build good family relationships, with the launch of 'Living With Stepfamilies' magazine and video by Family and Children's Services Minister Rhonda Parker today.

The new magazine and video is the sixth publication in the very popular and successful Living With series, an integral part of the State Government's parenting plus program.

Mrs Parker said 'Living With Stepfamilies' was the first of its kind to be written specifically for Western Australian parents and covered topics such as parenting in a stepfamily, coping with change, getting to know each other and resolving conflicts.

"Becoming a stepfamily is rewarding and often challenging. This magazine addresses issues relevant to children from babies to teenagers, each with their own special needs," she said.

"The magazine covers a wide range of topics from creating new family traditions to house rules and routines."

In 1996-97 the Government's parenting plus program was allocated $5 million to strenthen families by providing information, resources and services for parents and another $5 million has been allocated to the program in 1997-98.

"Market research conducted by the department found that parents believed they could improve the upbringing of their children with better parenting skills," Mrs Parker said.

"'The Living With' series has been developed by clinical pyschologists at Family and Children's Services to help parents be the best parents they can be."

The series has just been awarded the prestigious 1997 Public Relations Institute of Australia (WA) Award for Excellence in the category Marketing Communications.

'Living With Stepfamilies' magazine is available from a range of community-based organisations including children's centres, schools, libraries, community health centres and relevant State and Commonwealth Government departments.

The 20-minute 'Living With Stepfamilies' video is based on the magazine and can be borrowed from the Parenting Line, Parenting Information Centres and public libraries around the State.

Other titles in the series are Living With Babies, Living With Toddlers, Living With Children and Living With Teenagers.

'Living With Parents' is a magazine for teenagers to help in developing family relationships. It is also available on the Internet.

Step parents who want more advice can contact the Parenting Line for free information and advice about caring for children up to 18 years of age.

The number is 9272 1466 or 1800 654 432 for country callers.

Media contact: Donna Cole 9481 7810