Mai Lighthouse is the leading social services agency across Franklin and North Waikato.
- By Mai Lighthouse
Our taiohi (teenagers) are growing up in a world that moves faster, demands more, and offers far less grace than the one many of us grew up in. Social media, academic pressure, identity, belonging – the landscape our rangatahi (young people) are navigating is genuinely complex, and they need whānau who feel equipped to walk alongside them.
That’s not always easy. Not because our teenagers are difficult – but because the tools we were given as parents don’t always speak to the world our taiohi are living in today. The gap isn’t a failure of love. It’s simply a call for new skills, fresh understanding, and a little more kōrero.
That’s exactly why we’re excited to share that Mai Lighthouse is hosting Toolbox: Teenage Years – a free, practical parenting programme designed specifically for whānau raising taiohi aged 12 to 18.
Beginning Monday, May 11 and running through to Monday, June 22, the programme meets weekly on Monday evenings from 6pm to 8.30pm at the Mai Lighthouse Community Hub on King Street, Pukekohe. Childcare is available for those who need it.
Toolbox: Teenage Years is about strengthening the relationship between parents and their rangatahi – building understanding, deepening connection, and finding practical ways to show up for the young people in our lives in ways that truly land. It is facilitated by our Parenting Team, whose warm and experienced approach creates a safe and welcoming space for honest kōrero and real learning
For whānau with younger tamariki, we also offer Incredible Years – a programme supporting parents of 3 to 8 year olds to build positive, nurturing relationships from the very start.
Because at Mai Lighthouse, our mahi is always mokopuna, taiohi, rangatahi, and whānau centred. Every age, every stage. Both programmes are free. To find out more or register your interest, get in touch today.
Call 09 238 6233 or email hepi@mailighthouse.org.nz
