Council course for troubled teens

Troubled teens are being sent on “surviving your parents” courses, funded by Rochdale Borough Council.

Troubled teens are being sent on “surviving your parents” courses, funded by Rochdale Borough Council.

Young people and parents from Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale have signed up to the new course run by the Parenting Support Team and Youth Service, which is meant to help improve child-parent relationships.

And parents can join in too, with the ‘Surviving your Teenager’ course.

Parents and teenagers attend the 12 week course; with support from facilitators they reflect upon their behaviour and the impact it may have on their family or the wider community.

The parent and teenager courses happen separately and all discussions are confidential so both adult and child can feel comfortable talking about their feelings.

Mum Yvonne Whitaker attends the course at Middleton Technology School, and claims to have seen a difference in her 13-year-old daughters behaviour.

She said: “I signed up to the course because arguments at home between me and the kids were becoming more frequent and more disruptive; it was making us all miserable.

“Now, I have reflected upon my own behaviour and how that was escalating arguments.”

“I have tried to take on board all the advice given to me about how to compromise and be a more assertive parent.

She added: “I have seen a huge difference in Sarah’s behaviour; she is a lot calmer and more willing to apologise for things she has done wrong and even helps around the house.”

Daughter Sarah said: “I get on loads better with my mum and have learnt to ignore my older brothers when they are bothering me rather than getting angry with them.

I have learnt a lot on the course about anger management, stereotypes and even things like the harmful effects of drugs. I love coming, it is a place where I can chill out and talk openly about my feelings.”

The courses are available to any parent/carer or teenager (12 -16 years) who lives in the borough. If you think you might benefit from a little extra support when it comes to handling your teenager then call The Parenting Support Team on 0845 226 5533.