Finding ways to give kids the best start possible is no easy feat, especially when a child’s brain may function, learn and process information differently to others, and the most common parenting strategies don’t work. For Educational Psychologist Sharyn Gousmett, parenting starts with understanding children as their own unique person.

Sharyn who is also Founder and Director of Willow Corner will be facilitating a free Parenting Neurodivergent Children and Youth event in Amberley on March 10 at Amberley School. The event is presented by Community Wellbeing North Canterbury and Together Hurunui and is aimed at whānau of neurodivergent children and young people, who may require practical support and real-world strategies, to help cope with everyday life.

This workshop is a ‘taster’ of the 2-day Mighty Willows course, which focuses on supporting children and young people experiencing differences in emotional regulation. This is done by helping parents and caregivers explore what might be impacting on their children and introducing ideas to co-regulate and problem-solve.

Each session is co-facilitated by an experienced parent, working alongside Sharyn. For the Amberley event, this will be Sarah Columbus, who founded The Place in Rangiora after recognising the need for support for families of neurodivergent children.

Parents who attended similar courses delivered in Waimakariri in 2025 reported leaving with immediate, tangible changes they planned to make in their daily lives. These included reshaping morning routines to help their child feel more in control, adopting more collaborative approaches with teens, and developing strategies to support themselves during challenging periods.

Demand for the programme has been strong, with many courses reaching capacity in 2025. Community Wellbeing says this reflects both the need and the community’s appetite for practical, affirming support for neurodivergent children and their families.

Hurunui Mayor Marie Black draws on her experience of working with families, before coming to local government and is proud to offer this opportunity for parents to understand that neurodivergent children don’t need to be fixed, they need to be understood. “When we provide an opportunity for better understanding we create homes where children feel safe, capable and valued.”

The event is free to attend but booking is essential. Please contact natalie.paterson@hurunui.govt.nz to book your place. For more information about the event please visit https://www.hurunui.govt.nz/events

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For more than 20 years, Community Wellbeing North Canterbury Trust has worked in partnership with Hurunui District Council to support the wellbeing of children, young people, and families.

Community Wellbeing is funding the Mighty Willows programme in Amberley, with Together Hurunui hosting the course locally. Together Hurunui is a non-statutory network of social services operating in the Hurunui District and includes community groups, schools and health centres, NGO agencies, local council and central government.

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