IF YOU are having trouble with teen tantrums and door slamming, a parenting course could help make your home a happier place.

Fiona Enticott, of Kelsall, has been running the six-week course for nine parents of teenagers including her husband the Rev Ian Enticott from St Philip’s Church.

She said: “I am involved in the youth club and felt that it would be a good thing for parents to get together and share ideas, not necessarily because their children are problematic but to support each other and show you aren’t on your own.”

Fiona had training from the Mother’s Union to become a parent facilitator.

It covers topics such as listening, encouraging teenagers to take responsibility, managing conflict, discipline, family relationships and teaches parents to discuss and negotiate problems rather than close the topic off.

Fiona said: “One example is if your teenager says ‘Why won’t you let me do that, everyone else’s parents let them do it?’

“Instead of replying ‘Because I say so’, the parents should try to explain why they have made the decision.

“We have also found that if you give your children more responsibility, they face the consequences for their own actions.

“If they can’t get up in the morning for school, instead of nagging them every day, you give them an alarm clock and if they miss the bus, they learn their lesson.”

Fiona says she has found herself using the class techniques on her own four children.”

She added: You are more isolated as a parent of a teenager. You don’t meet people at the school gate, a lot of parents have gone back to work.

“Teenagers quite often try to manipulate their parents by saying everyone else does it - I feel it is helpful to offer an opportunity for parents to get together and compare experiences.”

Fiona may be running another course in the new year. If you are interested in her course, or in taking the training yourself, call 01829 751472.