Real Talk with Ali McCormick
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.
Q: Can you share a memorable “aha” moment from a past session?
Ali: In our very first group, the magic was in just hearing other people’s stories. Parents felt relief just being able to talk openly.
And when I’d reflect something back to them like, “Did you hear what you just said? That’s amazing parenting right there”, they’d light up. Because we all have a negativity bias, and parents often miss the incredible things they’re already doing.
One time I asked, “When’s the last time you had fun with your kids?”
At first, they froze, no one could answer. Then they smiled and suddenly the stories came out. That’s what we’re alive for – those moments.
Q: What makes this group different from a typical parenting course or seminar?
Ali: I’ve run loads of training courses, and I’ve realised information alone doesn’t create change. I kept hearing the same thing: “I’ve done all the courses, and nothing’s changed.” Information is important, but it’s not enough.
What makes this group different is the real-time, reflective coaching.
This group is small, personal, and interactive. We go deeper. We figure out how to apply the ideas. That’s what makes the difference
Q: If a parent did just one thing differently this week, what would you suggest?
Ali: Count to five. Take a deep breath. Ask yourself a curious question.
That’s three things, I’m greedy! But honestly, that moment of pause can completely change how you respond.
Q: What do you love most about working with parents in this way? What keeps bringing you back to this work?
Ali: I love working with people. I love meaningful conversations. I do a lot of planning and curriculum development, but where the rubber hits the road is when I take that work into the room with real people. I love watching those small shifts ripple outward, when a parent becomes more aware, more present, more connected.
They talk to their child differently. That child feels safer. Then they talk to their friends differently. That’s how change spreads.
You don’t need massive transformation. You just need a nudge in the right direction, a bit of belief that it’s possible, and that builds momentum. That’s how change happens.
I just think human beings are awesome. (As are plants and animals, of course, I wouldn’t want to be unfair!)
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.