Stories that Explore Individuals Lived Experience of Parenting

The Heart of Our Stories

At the heart of every challenge lies a story, no matter our age. Neuroscience and attachment theory show us that our brains grow and heal through connection, and that our early experiences shape how we love, trust, and respond to the world. When we begin to understand our own story — and our children’s — we start to see behaviour through the lens of compassion rather than frustration. This understanding helps us parent our children and teenagers with greater awareness and sensitivity. In my work, I walk alongside parents as we explore these stories together — because when we make sense of them, healing and change naturally begin to unfold.

  • Two pairs of hands interlocking fingers, in black and white.

    “Now as teenagers, they can react in a way that is quite confronting and irrational. It’s harder for me to handle.”

    Tamara’s Story

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  • Two hands, one older and one younger, shaking hands in a close-up shot.

    "The consequence of Jono’s way of parenting was that his boys lived somewhat in fear of him."

    Jono’s Story

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  • A close-up black-and-white photo of an parent's hand holding a child's hand.

    “Some people don’t believe in it but Jeez – it was love at first sight! And now it’s just like – I don’t want to be apart from her.”

    Luke’s Story

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  • Two hands forming a heart shape against a wooden background

    “Prior to becoming a parent, I think it would have been really helpful to have done some more work on myself.”

    Katie’s Story

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  • Two people holding hands on a book titled 'Winnie the Pooh' on a dark wooden table with a stack of books in the background.

    “I wasn’t the kind of person who looked at babies and thought they were all beautiful; in fact, sometimes I thought the opposite!”.

    Mia’s Story

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  • Two hands clasping pounamu

    “I think you’d better go to the doctor” – this is how Linda, a young 18-year-old, still living at home, discovered she was pregnant.”

    Linda’s Story

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  • A black and white photo of a parent and child touching index fingers

    “I remember a few weeks into it, I was just on the couch crying, thinking this is so relentless.”

    Cate’s Story

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  • Two hands playing chess on a wooden table, with chess pieces positioned on the board. The board and pieces are in black and white.

    “I just can’t believe I thought that my kids would have the same personality as my husband and I.”

    Jane’s Story

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  • Two hands, one larger and one smaller, clasped together holding a flower, with a blurred background.

    “I don’t know if I was ready for it... just the first few months of my baby’s life was like – almost like – take him back! It was so hard”.

    Teresa's Story

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“Tell me the facts and I’ll learn.  Tell me the truth and I’ll believe.  But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever”.

- Native American Proverb