"It's such a great opportunity for parents that we want to get the word out there," Mrs Howells said. "If they are starting to struggle with their teenagers, it's better to get in sooner rather than later."
The Positive Parenting Programme is based on research done at Queensland University, and offers parents the choice of five levels of engagement.
Teenagers often took part in risky behaviours, such as drinking, drugs and parties, which parents found difficult to deal with, Mrs Howells said.
"It's the developmental task of the teenager to push boundaries but they still need the same rules as other children, but they have to be age-appropriate."
It was important to address these issues early on, before lines of communication deteriorated.
"People who do the programme with younger children will be able to hit the ground running."
"When teenagers are 16 or 17 the relationship is often so damaged it would take a lot of work to improve."
Fathers often found teenagers especially challenging, and could tend to take a "my way or the highway" attitude, she said.
The course is suitable for sole parents as well as couples.
The first session begins at 7pm on October 15.
For more information contact 06 3775716 or email vicki@wai-counselling.org.nz.
