Parenting Support

Parenting is probably one of the hardest jobs around, but few people have any training for it.

If you want to learn to parent with confidence and be a better parent, we have a range of programmes to support you.
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The Incredible Years

For parents with children aged 3 to 8, it will help you to build a healthy relationship with your child, understand their development, encourage positive behaviour and address challenging behaviour.

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Parenting through Separation 

Separating from your partner is stressful enough, but when children are involved it can get even more complicated. We understand the difficulties and want to help you to focus on your children and what is best for them.

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Parenting in Prison

We help parents in prison improve their parenting skills and communicate better with their children. The seven-week Parenting in Prison programme is run in prisons by our family workers.

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The Incredible Years

“We are closer to each other more now than before. I understand my children’s need for attention.”

Where to start:

Download our brochure

Parenting Through Separation

Help your children through a separation

We offer Parenting through Separation group sessions with trained programme leaders – usually in two sessions of two hours each. You will be able to discuss your parenting issues and gain helpful information in a small group of up to 20 people. Anyone involved in parenting arrangements for children can attend, including grandparents and other family/ whānau members.

The Parenting through Separation programme will help you to:

  • Understand how separation affects your children and how to talk to them about it
  • Discuss arrangements for your child’s care with your ex-partner
  • Make a parenting plan
  • Keep children away from conflict
  • Find other support services in your community
  • Understand how the Family Court works

Where to start

  • Contact one of the Family Works sites below to find out more about Parenting through Separation
  • View events to see if the Parenting through Separation programme is running in your area
  • Book your place in a Parenting through Separation programme
  • Attend one four-hour session or two two-hour sessions (depending on what the site offers)

Download our brochure

Parenting in Prison

Supporting mums and dads in prison

This programme helps parents:

  • answer children’s questions
  • understand the likely effects of separation
  • reintegrate after release (with a follow-up in person and another over the phone).


Where to start:

  • Contact your nearest Family Works location to find out more information.

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