This page is intended to provide helpful information, advice and guidance to all parents/caregivers, who want to support children and young people to understand and practice healthy relationships.
If you have a child you think needs Aviva’s specialist children and youth services please visit this page.
Parenting advice and tipsChoose to talk and to listen
Make time to talk away from any distractions, listen without interrupting, and be honest about what you're feeling.
Pick your moment
Heated communication can often happen in the wrong place, so agree on another time and place to discuss the issue
Discuss the issue, not the person
Focus on the issue that is causing the conflict. Try to use "I" statements
Say what you mean
If you're not clear in your communication this can lead to confusion and further conflict. Don't forget, your children can't read your mind
Be open
While it can be hard to discuss what irritates you about your child’s behaviour, it's important that you create opportunities to do so
Learn to apologise
You may not always be right, and by admitting this communication becomes a lot easier
The services and agencies listed below offer a wide range of parenting courses and information for those in the Canterbury region.