This episode was recorded in August 2024

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Parent Demelza is joined by Public Health Nurse Holly Cummings, Deputy Principal Marcia Kashizuka, and GP Dr. David Pilbrow to talk about toileting challenges in children. They discuss toilet training, bedwetting, school support, and how some issues can be misunderstood or overlooked—offering practical strategies for whânau.

This episode was recorded in July 2023

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Jen Shields from Qtopia and GP Dr. Rebecca Nicholls answer parent questions about gender identity. They share practical advice for talking with schools and GPs and finding the right support for young people.

This episode was recorded in June 2024

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Parent Sharlene talks with Billy Brice, a Wellbeing Coordinator, and Jo Chapman, an Attendance and Engagement Mentor. They discuss common barriers that teenagers face with attendance, what helps keep them engaged—like routines, mental health support, and strong communication—and the collaborative approach between whânau, schools, and community services. They also explain some ways Attendance and Engagement Services support young people and their families.

This episode was recorded in June 2024

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Parents Megan and Meghan speak with school principal Graeme Norman, Adam Duchac, Practice Lead, and Makera Hansen-James, Co Lead at Tupuranga / Pou Whirinaki, Christchurch School Attendance and Engagement services. They explore primary school attendance challenges—such as anxiety, bullying, transport barriers, and family stress—and the support available for tamariki and whânau.

This episode was recorded in November 2023

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Parent Shelley talks with Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Matt Eggleston about some medications used for mental health conditions in children and young people. They cover questions about overmedication, which conditions might require long-term treatment, the Special Authority process, and the current evidence around cannabidiol (CBD).

This episode was recorded in November 2023

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Parent Sharlene speaks with Deb Bradshaw, Clinical Lead at Te Tumu Waiora, and Lurita Kurene, Health Coach and Support Worker Lead. They explain how these relatively new roles work alongside GP clinics to support people’s overall health and wellbeing. This includes helping with mental health, managing long-term physical conditions, making lifestyle changes, and connecting to the right services. GPs can connect people to these free services, which are often available without long waits.

This episode was recorded in December 2023

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Parent Sharlene talks with Dr. David Pilbrow from Travis Medical Centre about the range of services families can access at their local GP clinic. They discuss the GP care team, booking longer appointments, using the patient portal, preparing questions, and navigating follow-ups.

This episode was recorded in March 2023

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Members of the Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Youth Advisory Council role-play a GP visit, showing how young people can prepare, speak up, and make the most of their time with the doctor. It’s a practical resource for both rangatahi and whânau.

This episode was recorded in June 2023

Visit our website here: https://www.listeningtofamilies.co.nz/

Kim, a parent of autistic children, and Helen Wagstaff, former Autism Coordinator at the Child Development Service, speak with Tracy Rohan, former Principal Adviser Learning Support Canterbury, and Rachel Vink, Chief Advisor - Learning Support National, both from the Ministry of Education. They answer common family questions about accessing learning support in schools—covering Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS), teacher aide support, and school transitions—and clarify that a formal diagnosis isn’t always required.

This episode was recorded in June 2023

Visit our website here: https://www.listeningtofamilies.co.nz/

Kim, a parent of autistic children, and Helen Wagstaff, former Autism Coordinator at the Child Development Service, are joined by Pene Maddock and Stacey Willis from Lifelinks. They explain how Needs Assessment and Service Coordination works in Canterbury, including supports like Carer Support, respite, and Individualised Funding, and how plans are tailored to each whânau’s needs.

As of March 2024, some disability support services in New Zealand have changed. For the most up-to-date information, visit disabilitysupport.govt.nz.