Parenting through challenging times

Being a parent or caring for children is challenging, rewarding, exhausting and fulfilling all at once.

Parenting through challenging times aims to support parents or carers to talk to their children/tamariki in an age appropriate way about challenges that might be occurring in the family and whānau; and build healthy strong relationships with their children/tamariki.

There is a focus on building support networks; having routines as well as fun times; having difficult conversations; and what to do if there are concerns about the children. The resource may also be used by mental health and or addiction practitioners to discuss parenting in a positive and strengths-focussed way, with the people they are working with on daily basis.

The resource also includes four stories from parents who experience mental health and/or addiction challenges, and how they deal with these alongside parenting. It also provides a range of further support options so parents can access further help if required.