Late adolescents (16-18 years)

Talking with your child about sex can be difficult but it's important. If you want to be involved in shaping your child's ideas and attitudes about sex, start these conversations early.

The brain develops very rapidly in the first 3 to 5 years of life. All the structures and building blocks are present by the age of 9. Find out when the different centres of the brain develop.

Even with the best parents in the world, young people can still get into trouble. Most teenagers will experiment with alcohol and getting it wrong is not uncommon. 

Parties are part of the fun in growing up and a good way for rangatahi (young people) to be able to mix with others. Plans and boundaries help to keep your teenager safer.

Look for opportunities to talk about drugs with your teenager. Talk with your teens about ways they can so no to alcohol or other drugs, without them losing face with their friends. Be informed about drugs.

Alcohol is our most common recreational drug. Those under 15 years of age are at the greatest risk of harm from drinking, and not drinking in this age group is especially important. 

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

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.