Treasure our Children - Theme for Children's Day

Children's Day has arrived and alongside the events and special parties comes a message we also need to protect them.

The theme for this year is "Treasure our Children".

Victim support service Shine hopes people will remember those children who don't feel treasured and live in a world of fear and uncertainty.

Services Director Jill Proudfoot says every child should grow up in a safe home, and the community has a role in that.

"Quite often neighbours know a lot that's going on but they don't know quite what to do for the best."

Shine's helpline is on 0508 744 633.

Paula Bennett is attending a Toddlers Day Out in west Auckland today to mark the day.

The Social Development Minister hopes families will make the effort to do something special with their young ones today and live up to the theme.

She says it's a chance to have a laugh with your children, and get together with other families.