Children development is affected by home environment, such as mother-child communication, effective discipline methods, home safety and educational activity provided by parents. Among these, parenting practices are the most influential factors affecting children’s outcomes. In order to improve parenting practices, a number of parenting programmes and strategies have been implemented worldwide as well in New Zealand. In particularly, HIPPY (Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters) has been successfully operated in New Zealand and overseas. HIPPY is a home-based programme that trains parents to help their young children with their learning and reducing antisocial behaviour in school or later life. This paper discusses the effects of parental practices on children’s lives with a focus on HIPPY implemented to improve parenting skills and their cost effectiveness. The paper concludes with recommendations for action.