parenting

Parenting - in 15 words

Our children should not be the centre of our universe. We should be the centre of theirs - a secure, loving and consistent centre, says Ian Munro.

The teenage body clock

This one's a bit of a perennial complaint - sleepy teens, writes parenting columnist Ian Munro.

Caffeine in govts' sights

Caffeine is in so many of the products teenagers consume, writes Ian Munro.

The terrible fourteens

No matter how much they seem to be trying to rile us, teenagers do need us to be the rock, writes parenting columnist Ian Munro.

Bridging the divide

Civil communication can be difficult at times for separated parents sharing responsibility for the upbringing of their youngsters, writes parenting columnist Ian Munro.

Parental separation

It’s never easy when parents decide to separate for whatever reason.

Preventable damage

There are three leading causes of birth defects associated with brain disability in New Zealand, writes Ian Munro.

Sibling rivalry: it's a battle

Ever since Cain and Abel, sibling rivalry has been a feature of family life and it's amazing the many different and creative forms it can take.

Reinforcing better ways

Our kids of all ages need our attention, love and acknowledgement of them and their qualities, writes Ian Munro.

Soldiering on not ideal

Some work I've been doing has brought me into contact with youngsters in their mid-teens who have suffered significant injury, writes parenting columnist Ian Munro.

Parenting: It's not easy being two

It's not easy being two

Parenting columnist Ian Munro offers some advice on coping with temperamental toddlers.

Weighing up a school

Schools lockdown has been lifted after a man was arrested. Photo: NZ Herald

Weighing up a school

We're soon to enter the time of the year when decisions have to be made about which secondary school your youngster will move on to, writes parenting columnist Ian Munro.

It's a tough old world

A group of young migrants warm themselves near a campfire on an industrial estate on March 5,...

It's a tough old world

One in every 113 people in the world is displaced, including many young people who have earned the right to a fresh start and help, Ian Munro writes.

Parenting: Theft mustn't be minimised

Theft mustn't be minimised

Shoplifting should never be viewed as a phase, a mistake or justifiable, writes parenting columnist Ian Munro.

The perils of pressure

There's no doubt that some pressure is necessary to achieve top performance, but teenagers need to have developed the coping skills to be ready for this, Ian Munro writes.

Pressure can be fatal

Ian Munro discusses the pressure on teenagers to perform.

Teens need our time too

Facebook and email will always wait, but kids don't. They grow up. And opportunities lost can't easily be recaptured, says parenting columnist Ian Munro.