Oak Tree Parenting Programme

The goals of the programme:

1. A reduction or elimination of family violence in the home. 

   Children who have been exposed to family violence in their homes witness the behaviours and tactics of both the person using violence and the person being hurt. The behaviours being expressed can then be absorbed by the children and they can become their model of behaviour. This can include tactics to control and the use of violence. When Mum's are parenting prepubescent and adolescent boys who have previously been exposed to family violence, home life can become increasingly fraught. The boys may model their behaviour on the adult male who has been the user of violence and this is coupled with normal age and stage development with adolescents testing boundaries and developing independence. The Mum who has previously been a victim is left trying to parent her son/s who are displaying the same behaviours that were used against her by the adult male user of violence. This can make parenting incredibly challenging. This programme aims to assist Mums to understand the dynamics at play and to provide education, encouragement and support to enable her to parent as well as possible and reduce the conflict and violence within the home.

2. Settled, calm and violence free homes with strong but flexible boundaries that are a great environment for children to thrive. Part of thriving is regular attendance at school,

The Oak Tree Parenting Programme is not a typical parenting programme. It is a unique specialist programme delivering material about parenting through the lens of family violence. Clearly, there are many things that influence the home environment. Family violence is just one. However, if we can help Mums manage the "trauma" type behaviours, we should see a shift in the right direction.

Who can particpate?

• Mothers of school aged children who are parenting as single parents or coparenting post family violence in a situation where the user of family violence is no longer in the same household.

Who can sponsor?

• Local agencies on the front line of family violence.

• Community Agencies that are working with children and families where they identify Mums needing support with parenting following a history of family violence.

How does it work?

• 4 x 2hr Group Sessions

• 2 x Individual Sessions

• Sponsor to attend the first half hour of the first session with the participant and the last half hour of the final session to celebrate together.

• There is a limit of 12 participants.

When and where?

4th Nov 2025 - 9.30am to 12pm

11th Nov 2025 - 9.30am to 12pm

18th Nov 2025 - 9.30am to 12pm

25th Nov 2025 - 12pm to 2.15pm (shared kai)

Waiora House - 100 Kaimanawa Street, Taupō