*Please note these programmes are delivered by the Mana Ake Canterbury/ Kaikōura region, and are open for parents who live in these areas. For other parenting course options please reach out to your local social service providers. We recommend the following programmes: Building Awesome Whānau, Triple P Parenting, & Incredible Years.

Mana Ake are pleased to offer Tuning in to Kids^® and Tuning in to Teens^® programmes. Evidence-based, emotion-focused parenting programs since 1999, Developed by Professor Sophie Havighurst and Ann Harley.

What can I expect?

Through our work with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau in schools, we know that raising kids is one of the hardest jobs out there! 
Parenting can be challenging and rewarding. The learning in Tuning In to Kids and Tuning In to Teens is presented in a way that supports you to understand and grow alongside your children.  The group setting, alongside other parents, provides a positive, proactive, and supportive space.
Both of these programmes run over 6-sessions.
Designed for parents and caregivers to explore practical skills to navigate the ups and downs of the parenting journey.
You can expect to:

• Learn how to better understand and manage emotions, for both you and your child.
• Discover ways to strengthen your relationship through emotional moments.
• Get tools to help children express and handle their feelings.
• Gain strategies for problem-solving and setting appropriate boundaries.

Each session includes videos, group discussions, role-playing, and home activities.

What course is right for me?

Tuning In To Kids^® is a great option for parents of children aged 5-12 years old. It provides an overview of emotional coaching for primary school age children and would be relevant for all parents with children in NZ school years 0-8. For an introduction to the concepts learnt in a Tuning in to Kids parenting program, see the Tuning in to Kids Online (TIKOL) 1 year subscription. A self-paced online introduction to the evidence-based Tuning into Kids parenting program. Note: this course does not include a certificate.

Tuning In To Teens^® is an adaptation of the Tuning in to Kids^® parenting programme. The Tuning in to Teens® programme has a similar core focus on teaching parents and carers emotion coaching skills, but also focuses specifically on the developmental needs of teenagers. It integrates a greater focus on acceptance/empathy and helping parents and carers to manage their own responses when adolescents reject or push them away as the young person seeks greater autonomy. Mana Ake run this programme for parents of tweens/ teens in NZ school years 6-8 if you want a more teen lens to the programme.

Do you have online options?

Mana Ake offers online and in person options each school term, where possible. If you are interested in an online programme, you can expect the same level of programme delivery, as if you were attending in person. You’ll need to have access to a device such as a laptop/computer or tablet, stable internet connection, headphones, a webcam/ camera capability, and be able to have privacy for the duration of the session (for example: being in a separate room to children and other family members where possible). Our online programmes offer the same opportunities to participate, connect, share ideas, and be a part of a group – all from the ease of your home after the kids are in bed!


Check out the course options below and we look forward to seeing you!

Current Courses:

Registrations for the next training intake will open during the final week of each term.