Parents who need additional support with the challenges of parenting could benefit from two free programmes being offered locally later this month.

Falkirk Council, NHS Forth Valley and voluntary sector partners are running the Psychology of Parenting Project (PPP) that aims to help improve parenting skills and reduce unwanted behaviours.

The first programme is called ‘The Incredible Years pre-School Basic Parenting Programme’ and starts from 20th January.

It has been developed by academics in the United States and sees parents and carers meeting as a group weekly for two hours over 14 weeks. The group helps parents to set goals and build a better relationship with their children.

The second programme – the ‘Triple P’ – starts from 3rd February however this group lasts eight weeks instead and is a combination of group discussion and telephone home support.

Parents and carers will be guided on which course suits them better when they apply or are referred.

Councillor Alan Nimmo, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for Education said:

 Some parents do need additional support especially when their children are at a young stage of their lives.

“These programmes have been shown to be very successful elsewhere and we hope that parents locally will benefit from the support of others to change habits and behaviours.”

Glynis Gordon, Lead Nurse Forth Valley Community Health Partnerships said:

 For some parents the first years of a child’s life can be incredibly difficult to deal with – temper tantrums, irregular sleep patterns and fussy eating habits.

“This project aims to improve behavioural problems and strengthen parenting skills, and our health visitors will be on hand throughout to offer advice and support.”

Parents can speak to nursery staff, NHS health visitor or directly to Falkirk Council’s co-ordinator david.fernie@falkirk.gov.uk or on 01324 506687 to discuss the referral process and what would be involved.