Parents offered laughs and tips

Pio Terei.

New Zealand's largest parenting organisation is coming to Rotorua to deliver two presentations.

It is bringing popular performer Pio Terei and creative director Dave Atkinson to the city next month to talk about positive parenting and parenting in a digital world.

The Parenting Place's John Cowan said Digi Parenting: parenting in a digital world with Dave Atkinson would help parents understand young people, their culture, what they were doing online and how to keep them safe.

"Many parents are feeling swamped and worried if they are doing the right thing."

Meanwhile, Mr Terei will be presenting Building Awesome Whanau. His contributions to Maori and his career as an entertainer were recognised in the 2012 New Years Honours when he was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

But he is more than just a television personality - for 15 years he has been helping The Parenting Place produce parenting courses and present seminars.

"Whanau is everything. If you get it right when kids are little then you are setting them up for an awesome life.

"You don't have to be a perfect parent - I get it wrong with my boys all the time - but if you can tick off the basics of good boundaries, lots of love and a bit of fun, then you've probably got a pass mark," he said.

"I'm not a psychologist, I'm an entertainer and so you are going to be getting a show. I can pretty much guarantee you'll get a lot of laughs, but I'm also sure you will take home a load of new ideas to try with your kids."

Details:

* Building Awesome Whanau with Pio: Monday May 23, 7.30pm, Harvest Church, $5.

* Digi Parenting: parenting in a digital world with Dave Atkinson. Monday May 23, 7.30pm Rotorua Elim Church, $5.