Everyone experiences difficulties and children are no different. Issues such as isolation, loneliness and grief affect young people just as much as their parents, and Kiwi kids endure some of the highest levels of school bullying in the OECD.
Former teacher Leigh Patuawa has written the "Soul Learning" programme to support children facing challenges, helping them reconnect with themselves and their wairua - their soul, spirit or essence.
"As a teacher, I saw so many students struggling with tough times and trauma in their lives," Leigh tells Woman's Day. "Experiencing the trauma of losing my mum at a young age, I was inspired to create Soul Learning as a way of creating a journey of reconnecting to, finding and loving yourself."
Aware that parents can often feel helpless when their child is struggling, she has put together her top tips to help parents and guardians to support the kids in their lives...
BE BRAVE
This story is from the August 28, 2023 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 28, 2023 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
JUDGE JAY-JAY
Radio diva Jay-Jay Feeney delivers her verdict on your biggest dilemmas
MEGAN'S NEW LIFE - 'I WAS STARVING MYSELF'
After years of negative comments about her weight, the New Plymouth woman is now a plus-size model
PODCASTS & PARENTHOOD RYAN'S TRUE CALLING
Crime investigator Ryan Wolf and wife Ashley welcome baby Dillon to their pack
CAKE QUEEN KATHERINE - BAKING IS A GOOD WAY TO MAKE FRIENDS!
A former teacher, cookbook author Katherine Sabbath is now a contestant on Dessert Masters
Celeb chef Amaury's - SWEET SUCCESS
The MasterChef: Dessert Masters host opens up about his famous fans
Paralympic medallist Anna - 'I'VE PUT MY FAMILY THROUGH HELL'
The cycling star says she couldn't have won silver in Paris without the support of her loved ones
MADDY & CHARLOTTE - 'THEY FLAT-OUT LIED!'
When a video surfaces of Sydney sisters Maddy and Charlotte Harry showing they'd renovated other houses before their appearance on The Block, their competitors feel betrayed.
SHAYNNA AT 61 'I WON'T GIVE UP!'
At 61, The Block Australia judge Shaynna Blaze is busier than ever.
PAST BLOCKHEADS SLAM THE SHOW
After just quitting The Block citing mental health issues, Jesse, 29, and Paige, 27, haven't held back when it comes to criticising producers for a lack of duty of care - and now Paige claims she has been backed up by several former contestants with similar experiences.
BUILDERS BOYCOTTING THE BLOCK!
Rogue builders have shared their horror stories from The Block - and they aren't just about bills going unpaid!