‘Wobbly Marriages Beat De Facto’

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32304, 23 May 1970, Page 1

‘Wobbly Marriages Beat De Facto’

Wobbly marriages are much better than de facto relationships, according to the Christchurch Child Welfare officer (Mr M. Lyons). “Many unmarried mothers think that it is the ‘in thing’ to bring up their child, that it is not at all difficult if you put your mind to it,” Mr Lyons said yesterday. “About 30 per cent of illegitimate children are adopted, but a large proportion of them are kept by their mothers. Many mothers have no choice, especially if they keep their child for a few years before deciding to have it adopted. “People don’t seem to welcome a two-year-old child as readily as a two-month-old baby.”

“The test of a solo parent really comes when the child reaches adolescence," Mr Lyons said. “This is a really tough stage; few solo parents come through It successfully.” He was in favour of more “back door” minding of children while parents worked, provided the places were licensed. “Some homes take in three or four children who live nearby. Some of the children are minded for a few hours after school,” said Mr Lyons. “It is really reassuring for a child to be near his own home—to be able to look out of the door and see it.”