Parenting Advice & Tips
Useful Resources:
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
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.
Barnardos - 0800 543 782
Catholic Social Services - 379 0012
Chch Methodist Mission - 366 8839
Cholmondeley Children's Home - 329 9832
Family Works - 363 8206
G.A.I.N Canterbury - 358 4505 (Teenagers and their parents)
Home and Family - 379 5645
Plunket - 366 0765
Relationship Services - 366 8804
Parenting through Separation - This is offered by several providers in the Christchurch area, Barnardos, Chch Methodist Mission, Family Works, Relationship Services