Parenting Advice & Tips
Parenting Pack:
The pack contains useful information on drugs and alcohol, mental health issues, sex, bullying, the internet, violence, school stuff, parties and communication. This pack was developed by the Rodney District council, and therefore the numbers provided for support are North Island ones. For local contact phone numbers please see our useful contacts page
Parenting Pack - the teen years
Parenting Resources - S.K.I.P:
this series of nine pamphlets contains information for parents of children under 5. The pamphlets cover
- Ages and Stages
- Tantrums
- Supermarket Suvival
- Managing Behaviour for Under 5s
- Tips on Stress
- Children with Special needs
- Keeping Children Safe
- Temperament
- Jealousy and Fighting
Memos: These memos are useful reminders of the different views that children and teenagers have
Memo from the Kid
Memo from Teenagers
60 Ways to say Well Done
This resource gives a list of 60 different ways to say well done to your child
Communication and Conflict
Choose to talk and to listen
Make time to talk away from any distractions, listen without interrupting, and be honest about what you're feeling.
Pick your moment
Heated communication can often happen in the wrong place, so agree on another time and place to discuss the issue
Discuss the issue, not the person
Focus on the issue that is causing the conflict. Try to use "I" statements
Say what you mean
If you're not clear in your communication this can lead to confusion and further conflict. Don't forget, your children can't read your mind
Be open
While it can be hard to discuss what irritates you about your childs behaviour, it's important that you create opportunities to do so
Learn to apologise
You may not always be right, and by admitting this communication becomes a lot easier
Parenting Courses and Support Agencies:
The services and agencies listed below offer a wide range of parenting courses and information for those in the Canterbury region.
Barnardos - 0800 543 782
Catholic Social Services - 03 379 0012
Christchurch Methodist Mission - 03 366 8839
Cholmondeley Children's Home - short-term emergency and planned respite care to children (aged 3-12) in times of family stress or crisis. Ph 03 329 9832
Family Works, Presbyterian Support - 03 366 5472
Home and Family - services include counselling services and residential parenting programmes ph 03 944 0635
Parent Help - Parent Help is a Wellington based charity that provides help with all parenting issues, and offers a range of online resources
Riley Life Parenting - helping women rediscover their identity, have time for their priorities and find balance in their life
Plunket - 03 366 0765
Parenting Through Separation - This is offered by several providers in the Christchurch area, Barnardos and Family Works
