Extend your parenting skills,
build more positive communication
with your kids and teens.
Tuning into Teens and Tuning into Kids are popular, proven parenting programs developed in Melbourne by Mindful, with research trials conducted through The University of Melbourne and based on Parenting research by Professor John Gottman and colleagues. Jane Maher is an accredited facilitator of these two programs. The Emotion Coaching Parenting approach can also be worked into parent/s sessions, parent and child/teens sessions as well as Parenting groups.
“Since my Mum and I have been having sessions with Jane we communicate better and I love my Mum more. We dont have so many problems anymore.”
12 year old on the Autism Spectrum 2025
Parents comment that the Group programs alleviate their own isolation and there is relief in discovering that they don’t have to feel guilt or shame about themselves or their family life. Bonds can form through acknowledgment, acceptance and understanding of how difficult it can be to be a parent. We also celebrate the progress and the wins that arises out of the work together. So-called “mistakes” offer rich opportunities for growth and deeper support and connections.
He has more energy and is more positive at the end of the sessions with Jane. He’s more open- minded in our communication and I understand the need to tune into his emotions and talk with him about them.
Warrnambool Mother with teen on the Autism Spectrum 2025
At Evolving Roles, we run the Tuning Into Teens Emotion Coaching parenting programs especially for parents and carers of socially isolated teens including those on the Autism Spectrum. These parent groups are small in numbers (max of 7 parents) so that parents can build a mutually supportive group together as guided by Jane. Each family’s needs can be closely and thoughtfully considered. This emphasis on mutual support means parents can break out of the isolation and the guilt or shame of feeling like they are the only ones struggling. Being a well trained group therapist (Psychodrama) Jane enables connections to grow and be deeply supportive.
Thanks Jane, You’ve been the lynchpin of our group, you brought an odd collection of us together, I feel connected to the world again and not ashamed of what our family is like. It is such a good feeling to get out of the isolation and shame. I really appreciate you making it happen, you’ve been the glue.
Mother of teen boys 2022
Diversity in family experiences is also powerful in these groups. Insights into different family circumstances can generate new solutions to old problems. Hard earned parenting wisdoms can be shared. The safety to share and process the not so glorious family moments develops. Humour emerges and enables more playful parenting. The development of greater family fun, communication, spontaneity and creative problem solving are the good outcomes of these groups.
Develop ‘Emotion Coaching’ skills
Tuning Into Kids and Tuning Into Teens teaches you the skills of the Emotion Coaching style of parenting. This parenting approach promotes emotional intelligence and competence in your kids and teens. Emotion Coaching is one of four parenting styles identified by Professor Gottman and colleagues. All parents use all styles. This approach coaches you to become an Emotion Coach with your teens more often. The research on this program has shown that you only need to Emotion Coach your kids/teens 30-40% of the time to make a difference!!
I felt energised, confident and more relaxed about my parenting doing Tuning Into Teens with Jane Maher. My 15yo son has a number of difficulties and we have tried other teen development parenting programs that really didnt work for us. How Jane runs Tuning Into Teens creates a relaxed atmosphere between the parents, we have learnt alot about parenting teens and my relationship with my son has got easier, closer and more open. I thought the focus on getting us connected in the group was all mumbo jumbo to start with but now I can see that it’s enabled us to really make progress. We have become comfortable to share our difficulties with each other and learn from each other’s stories. The group support helps me feel like we are not alone and I get good ideas about helping my son grow up and be happy from what others share too.
Mother of 15 year old boy 2021
By using Emotion coaching parenting, Parents learn how to help their teens to self-regulate difficult feelings and to amplify the good times. Parents are taken through a series of activities to learn how to recognise, acknowledge, accept, validate, clarify, enquire and empathise with your child’s emotional experiences. This creates the conditions for kids/teens to open up more, become more emotionally intelligent and competent. Research points to the importance of emotional intelligence in improving life outcomes. We are social beings and knowing our emotions helps us know what we want, how to communicate better and to connect better with others. The possibility of more good times together is enhanced.
Thanks Jane, You’ve been so supportive and calming. I would come into the group frazzled and guilt ridden and then feel myself decompress when I heard your voice and your trustworthy leadership.
Solo Mother of two 2019
These empowering parental skills grow hand in hand with your teens also learning to name, acknowledge and understand their own and others emotional experiences. This is very protective, especially during adolescence when knowing what they are feeling can be help build good decision making, problem solving, choices. For example they would be less likely to get caught up in peer pressure and risk taking behaviour.
But it doesn’t stop there – acknowledging what it is we are feeling doesn’t mean accepting angry, aggressive behaviours. Parents in the Tuning Into Teens Programs learn to help their teens develop pro-social solutions to their difficult feelings and make more informed decisions and choices. Learning how to set limits is integral to the approach. Teens are often surprisingly hungry for better relationships with their parents and better quality communication is achieved through this approach. More quality times together can be achieved.
“Since attending Tuning Into Kids, I have been able to tailor my parenting skills to better assist both my daughters with expressing their emotional needs.
Mother with kids on the spectrum 2000
Our parents report significant improvements in their family relationships, increased confidence in their parenting skills and stronger connections, communication with and understanding of their children because of participating in this rewarding program.
The program also results in such strong connections between participating parents that some groups chose to form an ongoing support group at the end of the program. The first of these met together monthly for over 4 years as their teens grew into their next developmental challenges.
When does the Tuning into Teens run?
We run the Tuning into Teens program most school terms. The program includes eight two-hour sessions. These sessions are currently being held online and after business hours.
Getting Started
To participate in the Tuning Into Teens program, please email to feel the relief of getting the ball rolling. Before commencing the program, we recommend you and your family attend a Family Therapy session to help us understand your needs and how to get the most out of the sessions. You can book this below.
A family session will ensure that your family dynamics, your parenting strengths, and difficulties can be better understood. The program can then be personalised to your needs. Having your teens and kids come into the meetings can help Jane know how to help you. I’ve had teens brag to friends of their parents how much better they are as parents since doing Tuning In To Teens.
Fees and Funding
| 2025 Fees | $AU ex GST |
| Tuning into Teens per session – 2 hrs | Sliding scale up to $55ph per parent per session |
| Pre-Group Assessment session per hour | Sliding scale $120-220ph |
There are no funding or healthcare rebates available for participation in this program. Some parents have been authorised to use NDIS funding to do this program. We encourage you to pursue this option with your NDIS Local Area Coordinator or your Support Coordinator.
Parents can be more influential with their teens than they realise. Sometimes they can be the only people who their teen will accept input from. This program enables parents to feel more confident to parent more effectively. When their teen refuses other therapeutic approaches they can be the only ones who can make a difference. This approach helps parents reach and connect with their teens.
Evolving Roles 