Punavai O Le Atamai Preschool

I remember the week we were approached to participate in the Little Lungs – Pūkahukahu Iti programme was the same week I had decided to take the clothes off a child who has come to centre smelling of smoke.  The smell was so strong that we decided to wash her sweatshirt and jacket.  At the time I didn’t have the confidence to approach parents about smoking.  Talking to staff it was clear we were all on the same page.  We thought smoking and giving up smoking was a personal decision and talking about it with parents was seen as quite a tricky thing. 

 

After participating in the Little Lungs – Pūkahukahu Iti programme I now see it differently.  Parents often look to teachers for credible advice and being able to offer it in this area has been really useful. I am able to talk to people about second hand smoke and I do encourage them to give quitting a go.  For us it’s just part of our practice now.  It doesn’t seem as taboo a subject; it is our business as we’re in the business of advocating for children.  

 

Smokefree is on our weekly agenda to discuss; this gives staff a chance to talk about interactions and maintains our consistent approach with families.  We publish a Smokefree exert in every newsletter home and we rotate Smokefree posters within the centre – just to keep things fresh for the parents.  We’ve participated in World Smokefree Day events and all other centre events are promoted as Smokefree.  We’ve got new Smokefree signage on site and it’s on our van too.  I’ve also taken up Quit Card training which I found really helpful in terms of being able to have those conversations with parents and caregivers.  We’re also promoting Smokefree cars and homes messages in our enrolment packs and on our Facebook page.

 

At Punavai O Le Atamai Preschool our whole team are on board with the Smokefree  agenda; it’s okay to talk to parents about their smoking and we’ve committed to it so regularly that it just seems normal now.  I’d encourage you to give it a go.

 

Lisa Seuseu, Head Teacher/Centre Manager of Punavai O Le Atamai Preschool.