Why do it?

  • Childhood memories are represented in our brains by complex pathways of connections between brain cells, within and between many parts of the brain.
  • The way we’re parented affects the way our brains develop, and whether we have good or bad memories.
  • If we become aware of our own childhood and what influenced us, we’re more likely to be thoughtful about our parenting.
  • If we can make sense of the way we were raised and how that has affected us, we’re more likely to raise our children using healthy strategies.

How to do it

Refer to Tākai resource Thinking about parenting, page 2.

  • Think about your memories of childhood.
  • Think and talk about the sorts of memories you’d like your child to have.
  • What would you like your child to remember about their childhood?
  • What can you do as a parent to make good childhood memories for your child?

Using more reo Māori

 Roro Brain
 Mahara Think about, consider
 Whakamahara Remember, recall
 Tamarikitanga  Childhood
 Whaiwhakaaro Thoughtful
 Matua/Mātua Parent/parents
 Wawata Aspiration/dream
 Āta whakaaro Consider carefully/purposefully
 Whanaketanga A period of growing up, childhood
 He aha ō wawata mō tō tamaiti whānau rānei? What dreams do you have for your child or family?
 He aha ētahi ō tō tino maumaharatanga i tō whanaketanga? What are some cherished memories from your childhood?