Healthy Christchurch

All Right? Campaign update: November 2018

Kia ora. Parenting can be hard, and parenting a teenager takes the difficulty factor up a notch (or two!).

We've teamed up with youth-led wellbeing project Bounce to get the low down on what's going through your teenagers's head.

We thought their tips were amazing, insightful and practical. We hope you find them useful.

Arohanui,
The All Right? team

Talking teens out of bad decisions

We can’t over-promise here! You may be able to talk your teen out of that tattoo, piercing, boyfriend, party etc and you may not. But it’s important to know that your teen doesn’t always do things on the spur of the moment.

Hiding things from parents is actually really stressful for kids - according to our friends at Bounce. Being supportive, open, and non-judgmental can save them a lot of worrying.

Download or read about talking your teen out of a bad decision [PDF].

Navigating social media (and porn!) 

Internet use can be a big concern for us parents! Check out our tips for teaching our kids to make good choices and stay safe (without having to go into battle)!

There’s even a section on talking to your kids about pornography. Awkward, but hard to avoid these days…

Download or read about helping your tween or teen navigate social media [PDF].

When kids 'come out'...

Here are our four top tips for getting it right when our kids ‘come out’ or identify as another gender:

1. Assume this is NOT a fad or stage. Believe them.
2. Let them know you love them no matter what. 
3. Know that there is nothing wrong with your child and nothing about them needs changing.
4. Remember that you are their most important source of support. 

Download or read about getting it right when your kids talk about their sexual or gender identity [PDF].

Listening, talking and staying grounded

Everything changes in adolescence — what we say, isn’t necessarily received as the only truth’ any more.

Here are a few tips to help get your teen talking and listening:

1. Listen without judgment or trying to ‘fix’ the situation. 
2. Believe your kid. 
3. Mistakes = life. As much as we want to protect or minimise the chances of our kids making mistakes, it is really important that we let them learn from these.

Download or read tips on getting your kids to listen, talk or focus on what really matters [PDF].

Splendid Blendeds 

There’s no doubt about it, being a part of a “modern family” can be tricky. If we don’t already feel some discomfort when explaining our blended family situation, we then have to brace ourselves for the inevitable (and sometimes nosy!) questions that follow: “Do you and your ex still get along okay?” or “So they don’t all have the same Dad?”

We’ve done some research and have some experience and want to provide not all the answers, but some tips that can really help.

Download or read about how to help kids in your blended family [PDF].

Difference and diagnoses 

Having a child with a diagnosis of ADHD, Autism, dyspraxia, Asperger’s or high levels of anxiety or anger can be challenging for you – and your child.

Something to be mindful of — diagnoses or not — is that your child (and you!) will probably be experiencing BIG emotions.

The tips we've developed, when applied as consistently as possible (nobody’s perfect, right!), will help your child. We’ve made sure to choose tips that fit the golden parent rule: Simple and doable.

Download or read about how to help kids with differences and diagnoses.

View all our Parenting Guides

All Right? has developed a range of Parenting Guides packed with easy tips on everything from helping kids to be calm, to having fun and feeling good. There's even one on looking after you!

View the All Right? parenting guides online and get information on free parenting courses for every age and stage.

Until next time, e noho rā

We're always keen to hear your stories, thoughts and ideas. Get in touch with All Right?

• Email: hello[at]allright.org.nz.
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