Raising Happy and Connected Children - an introduction to positive parenting solutions
Sun, 07 May
|Totara Park Village, Warkworth
Confident, happy children have a range of tools and skills that help maintain their physical and mental well-being. This workshop focuses on proven techniques for growing resilience and teaching children (and caregivers) strategies for dealing with strong feelings and emotions in a positive way.


Time & location
07 May 2023, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Totara Park Village, Warkworth
Guests
Event details
As parents, we are familiar with the daunting challenges that society has been facing lately. Climate change, a global pandemic, and the constant noise of social media have all contributed to a sense of unease and uncertainty, which has affected our children as well.
Unfortunately, New Zealand has some of the highest youth suicide rates in the OECD, and eating disorders are on the rise.
At The Food Tree, we can help prepare your child for whatever the future holds by using evidence-based, practical tools and a positive approach that is grounded in reality. This way, we can empower our children to navigate these challenges successfully.
Parenting can be challenging, and it doesn't come with a handbook. We all want the best for our children, but in today's world, preparing them for a future that is yet to be defined can feel like a daunting task. We are not meant to parent in isolation, and we need the support of others.
Let us provide a nurturing space for you to explore how to parent differently and create a positive home environment that will allow you and your family to thrive.
We are excited to offer this workshop that empowers parents and teachers to raise the next generation with confidence. Confident, happy children have a range of tools and skills that help them maintain their physical and mental health.
This workshop focuses on proven techniques for growing resilience, teaching children strategies for dealing with strong feelings and emotions in a positive way, and introducing family habits and routines that nurture empathy and help children feel content as they learn to show appreciation and gratitude for all that they have.
Our workshop sows the seeds for connection, giving you practical tips and guidance on how to do this for both yourself and your family.
The session will cover:
An introduction to mindfulness in everyday life
How to develop coping skills and emotional regulation in children
Creative ideas for engaging children in mindfulness practices
Skills to support both parents and children in emotional regulation
The concept of positive parenting and its benefits for children's mental health
Promoting children's self-esteem and confidence
Supporting children's mental health and well-being through healthy habits, such as intention setting and gratitude practice
The importance of self-care for parents, including the need to manage stress, take time for self-care, and seek support when needed.
There will also be opportunities for questions and discussion to ensure that parents feel confident and supported in their efforts to promote positive parenting and build their children's mental fitness and well-being.
The workshop will be presented by The Food Tree's Dietitian, Rachael Wilson, who is also a Mindfulness Coach. Rachael is experienced in meditative practices and has training in mindful parenting and creative mindfulness for children, and is also qualified in the treatment of eating disorders and body image concerns.
In order to prepare children for an uncertain world, we need to dare to parent differently. Come join the revolution.
This 3-hour workshop will empower you to raise the next generation with confidence.
In this workshop, you'll leave feeling set up for success:
Bonus extras:
Time to focus on yourself and what you want for your family. Tailoring goals specifically for you.
Leave with some solid practical techniques and our parenting workbook.
Our specially curated list of books to add to your child's library to support you to expand your their well-being.
Reserve a spot
Early Bird
$85.00
Sold OutFull price
$120.00
Sale endedEquity Pricing
Note there are a limited number of tickets for this price. Senior Citizens, Students, Unwaged and Equity members.
$65.00
Sale ended

Rachael Wilson
Paediatric and Eating Disorder Dietitian &
Family Feeding Specialist
Rachael is a UK-trained, New Zealand Registered Dietitian with over 20 years of clinical experience. She specialises in paediatric feeding difficulties, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), eating disorders and neurodivergent feeding experiences, supporting children, adolescents, adults and their families.
Her professional background includes extensive specialist training in paediatric feeding and eating disorders, including Responsive Feeding Therapy, the SOS Approach to Feeding, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders and Family-Based Treatment for Anorexia. She is also an Ellyn Satter Institute Affiliate Child Feeding Affiliate with additional training in trauma-informed care, neurodiversity-affirming feeding practices and mindfulness for children.
Drawing on her extensive clinical experience and understanding of nutrition, feeding development, neurodivergence and emotional wellbeing, Rachael developed the ARFID Empowerment Model™ (AEM).
The model integrates evidence-informed approaches within a practical, neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed framework, helping clinicians look beyond food intake to understand the underlying factors influencing feeding and eating difficulties.
Don't miss out on the training!
Here's what other parents are saying about The Food Tree approach
Isabelle Vincent
“The AEM is hands down the most comprehensive course currently available to professionals in the feeding space. The content is varied, with lecture-style presentations, videos and a membership hub where learning can take place at your own pace.
Rachael’s immense expertise and holistic philosophy are beautifully woven throughout the course. I cannot recommend it highly enough!”
Speech and Language Therapist NZ
“This course takes you on a journey to look at the big picture and explore the deeper questions behind why a child does not eat. It considers questions around identity, belonging, feeling safe and capacity for change.
The course provides a place to explore and challenge assumptions about feeding that can be embedded in professional practice, bringing those working in this field to a fresh understanding of what is needed to effect change.”
“I found the AEM approach open, inspiring and liberating. It creates space to wonder, explore and challenge established ways of thinking. It’s already making me rethink how I interview and work with families.”

