About Parents Centre
Parents centre began in 1952, with New Zealand's first ante-natal classes, and continues to run ante-natal classes in most regions. Parents Centre has been a part of a wide range of legislation concerning parents, for instance parents being allowed to be with their children in hospital, and fathers being able to attend to births. The central focus of parents centre is for parents to have informed choice on all parenting issues. All centres run a range of parent education programmes, provide support for a range of parenting issues, and hold special interest seminars. Parents Centre is also about parents meeting parents in a supportive environment, via playgroups, coffee mornings and a wide range of social functions. For more information on Parents Centre, and lots of interesting Parents Centre information, see our web site: www.parentscentre.org.nz

Te Awamutu Parents Centre

Parent Education
In Te Awamutu Parents Centre does not yet run ante-natal classes, as Matariki provides this service. It is possible that we will start running ante-natal classes in the year 2000, but only if there is a need as we wish to run along side Matariki, not compete.

We currently follow on from Matariki with a New Mother and Baby course. Ante-natal education stops at the birth, so this is where we pick up with help on issues of breast feeding, colic, sleep, early development - and any issues that concern Mums in the course. 

We also run STEPS - Systematic Training for Effective Parenting. This eight session course looks at means of applying discipline rather than punishment through affirmation, choices and consequences. 

Te Awamutu Parents Centre Playgroup
We run a very active playgroup every Tuesday morning, 10am to 11.30 am at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church on Mutu Street. The cost is $2.00 for non-Parents Centre Members, for members it is free! The playroom is well stocked with toys, and there is always a wide range of activities that include puzzles, playdough, drawing, gluing etc. There is an enclosed court yard, and a good space outside that is fully fenced. There is also a great little library of children's books, parenting books, videos and tapes.

The first half hour is free play. At 10.30am we have a mat time with a story and songs. Colour free juice and sliced fruit is provided for the children. The children then go back to play while the adults get to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and some biscuits. This is a very social and pleasant time. While two volunteers run the sessions each time, usually everyone chips in at clean up time.

Our playgroup is attended by Mum's, Dad's, minders and Grandparents. We all have one thing in common...

Why Become a Member
As a PC member you get free access to our playgroup, access to our puzzle library at the Te Awamutu Public Library, a glossy mag called KiwiParent every two months along with our own centre newsletter. The newsletter always has a few articles on parenting issues, information concerning our local centre, and a calendar of upcoming social and educational events. We strive to provide a variety of events with something for Mum's only, something for the family, coffee mornings, informative seminars with guest speakers, and of course something for hard working committee members. All this comes at the very small cost of $35.00 a year! Being a Parents Centre member is quite simply a lot of fun, we are a strong, innovative and very social community group.

If you have more questions about Te Awamutu Parents Centre, feel free to contact me. My name is Penny Hooper, I have been a member for five years and am the current centre president. My e-mail address is pmhooper@xtra.co.nz 

Our mail address is Te Awamutu Parents Centre, P.0 Box 85.