Launch of training package to help parents deal with teenagers

26/10/98

A practical training package to help parents successfully manage the challenge of dealing with their children's teenage years has been launched by Family and Children's Services Minister Rhonda Parker.

The Living with teenagers parent training manual was developed by Family and Children's Services' clinical psychologists in response to requests from parents struggling with the dilemmas they often face with their adolescents.

"Many parents have asked what they can do to maintain and strengthen their relationship with their teenagers, as often an adolescent's quest for identity and independence creates conflicts and difficulties within the family," Mrs Parker said.

"The way in which we, as parents, manage and resolve that conflict has a lasting impact on the relationships we have with our teenagers."

The Living with teenagers course is conducted in a group over four sessions with a trained co-ordinator and works through the issues parents may face with their teenagers in a practical way.

The co-ordinators will take parents through sessions on topics such as:

·      understanding and valuing teenagers;

·      sources of conflict;

·      rules to live by;

·      parenting styles;

·      negotiation with adolescents;

·      stress management for parents; and -

·      the physical changes that occur in the teenage years.

Parents can call the Parenting Line on 9272 1466 or 1800 654 432 (freecall) to register for free training courses which will initially be run in Fremantle, Midland, Mandurah, Bunbury, Northam in November. Media contact: Owen Cole, 9481 7810