Early adolescents (13-15 years)

Alcohol is our most common recreational drug. Not drinking is the safest option for rangatahi (young people) under 18 years of age.

Kids that feel close to one or more parents tend to do better in life. Listen to your teenager – when they are ready to talk. Be open and tell the truth.

Kids whose parents know who their friends are, where they are – and what they are up to - are less likely to get into trouble.

Be the kind of person you want your teenager to grow up to be.

The best parenting skill you can have is to simply act like one! In order for your kids to respect you, you must give them a person worth respecting.

While the teenage years can at times be stormy and emotional, your kids need to know that you will always be there and what you expect from them.

To be a more effective parent and enjoy a closer whānau (family) relationship, you need to spend quality whānau time together.

New research has found that teenagers are so different because their brains are undergoing a BIG change, which starts around puberty and continues through to their mid-20s.

Teenage years are growth years and ones of great change. Most things about your teenager's world are changing. Don't let your love be one of them. 

Teenagers need an average of 9 hours of sleep each night.

SPARX is a free online tool for rangatahi (young people). It teaches them the key skills to help fight mild to moderate depression, anxiety or stress.