Parenting teens can feel like navigating a minefield even on your best day. That’s why Path Wānaka’s Whānau Support Group is designed a little differently. It’s not a lecture or a textbook course. It’s a space for real conversations, real coaching, and real change.

At the heart of it all is Ali McCormick, an experienced coach, educator and parenting ally who knows that presence beats perfection every time.

We sat down with Ali to talk about what makes this group different, why information alone isn’t enough, and the surprising power of just one deep breath.

Q: Why did you start facilitating the Whānau Support Group?

Ali: Sally [from Path Wānaka] was talking about running parenting training events, and I said “the research is really clear: training doesn’t land unless it’s followed up.”

Courses are great for information, but they don’t always lead to change. Parents need coaching, someone to help them figure out how to apply that information in the messy reality of everyday life.

That’s what we’ve seen in this group. One parent texted mid-crisis and we jumped on a quick call. Five minutes later, they had a plan and were back in the game. That’s the kind of support that makes a real difference.

Q: What do you see as the biggest gap in support for parents?

Ali: It’s the application piece. Knowing about parenting strategies isn’t the same as knowing how to use them when emotions are running high.

To bridge that gap, parents need someone to help them reflect, break things down, and adapt tools to their unique family. That’s what coaching does.

And, because I’ve worked for over 30 years in education, child development, and leadership, I can bring a lot of depth to those conversations, with zero judgment.

Q: What’s the most common challenge parents bring to the group?

Ali: Every parent has different challenges, but underneath them all is this one biggie:

Managing their own emotions in the moment, so they can respond rather than react.

That’s what really makes the difference. When parents can regulate themselves, they unlock access to all the other skills. And, it’s something we can all get better at, it just takes support and practice.

I remember one session focused on having fun again. Because when kids are little, parenting is fun plus management. But as they get older, fear replaces fun.

A few weeks after that session, a parent said, “I’ve been having so much fun with my teen again.” And I reminded her, “Remember our conversation?” That shift was intentional and it stuck.

Q: You talk a lot about ‘presence over perfection.’ Why does that idea matter so much?

Ali: Because the only way to build skill is to show up and practice.

Show up, try, fail, adjust, then show up again. That’s how we grow in anything. Parenting is no exception.

Failure isn’t the opposite of success it’s part of the road to it. Learn to fail, or fail to learn.

Q: What would you say to a parent who feels too overwhelmed to join a group like this?

Ali: “Let’s have a quick chat.”

People often think coaching means being told what to do, but coaching is not telling, it’s asking. When fear is in the room: fear of judgment, fear of failure, it’s easy to shut down. 

Once that connection is made, the fear starts to melt away. You don’t have to come with answers. You just have to show up.

Q: And what if someone’s worried they’ll be the only one struggling?

Ali: Everyone is struggling. Show me a parent who hasn’t had a hard moment in their week, and I’ll be surprised. This is life. What’s powerful is realising you’re not alone, and that talking to others brings huge relief.

Watch out for Part Two next week.

The Path Wānaka Whānau Support Group — Term 4 Sessions Begin Thursday 6th November

Led by Ali McCormick, this is a free group coaching programme designed to support parents and caregivers through the challenges of raising teens.

It’s real, practical, warm, and entirely judgement-free.

Small, confidential group sessions

In-person and online sessions

Grounded in neuroscience, coaching and positive psychology

100% free to attend

Learn more and register here.

Got questions? Reach out to us here:.

Final word?

You’ve got this. But you don’t have to do it alone.

Join us and let’s grow through this together.