Being a parent can be one of the most rewarding roles you will ever have; but it will also be one of the most challenging. If you are a young parent, you are certainly not alone: there are many parents just like you all around New Zealand and many people available to support you.
We have created a collection of organisations and online resources to support you in your journey as a young parent:
Young Parents Resource Book
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This downloadable book has been created especially for young people in Aotearoa New Zealand, who are parents or who are about to become parents. People who are involved with, or who support young parents, may also find this booklet useful.
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Created by the Auckland Women's Centre, this book offers excellent information & ideas for young parents on a wide variety of topics.
Futures: Helping Young Mums and Dads Make Positive Choices
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This booklet has been created by the Waipuna Trust for young mums and dads in Christchurch, however there is a lot of information that is relevant to young parents regardless of location.
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The directory is broken into mum-specific information, dad-specific and neutral areas which are relevant to everyone. It covers areas from health to budgeting, legal advice to schools for young parents, contraception to where to give birth.
Teen Parent Units
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There are a number of Teen Parent Units in New Zealand that teenagers attend to further their education if they cannot attend a mainstream school because of parental responsibilities.
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Teen Parent Units usually exist as part of a mainstream secondary school but are run independently of that school. To find a Teen Parent Unit near you please click here.
Fathering the Future Trust
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Aims to raise the profile of fathers in society.
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Their vision is to promote a culture where fathers have an active and child centred parenting role.
Teen Dads
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This site is for New Zealand's teenage fathers and fathers-to-be, their parents, and their kids
Barnardos
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Offers support and advice for teen parents
