Parenting teenage boys can be a minefield and many a relationship has broken down because of poor communication.
That's why Te Aranui Youth Trust is organising two presentations aimed at providing some useful tips and strategies to assist families and carers who are bringing up children, particularly boys.
Delivering the 40 minute presentations entitled 'Maybe men are right - women talk too much!' will be author, business mentor, Life Coach and solo mum Anne Harvey who successfully raised four sons while owning and operating her own business.
She takes a unique and entertaining look at the male female relationship and shares the secrets of some techniques to help parents better communicate, especially with boys.
"These presentations are not just aimed at solo mums," said Operation Manager for Te Aranui Youth Trust, Wendy Nicholls.
"It may be that there are two parents in the lives of the children, but for one reason or another, the mum is shouldering the bulk of the parenting load.
"Fathers wanting to communicate better with their sons have just as much to gain from these presentations."
Western Bay of Plenty Police work closely with the Trust and are lending their support to the initiative.
Youth Aid Sergeant Nga Utanga, of Tauranga Police said: "Some of the drivers of our crime are drugs, alcohol and family violence and young men are involved in a significant number of cases.
"For a variety of reasons we are seeing young men, and women, making poor choices and decisions and heading down a path that has no happy ending.
Parenting is not an easy job and anything that helps those parents to better communicate with their children and helps to build resilient families and communities has to be viewed as positive.
"Our policing ethos is prevention, so it's important for us all to do what we can to prevent our young people taking a wrong turn."
The presentations will take place on Tuesday, 30 October at Tauranga Intermediate Hall at 7.30pm and on Wednesday, 31 October at Mount Maunganui College Hall at 7.30pm.
Entry is by gold coin donation and after the presentation there will be an opportunity for questions and discussion.
Register your interest by phoning 07 577 4430, text 027 562 8972 or register online at bluelightwbop.org.nz.
