Classes 'improve child behaviour'

Children aged three and four took part in the study

Parenting classes can improve unruly children's behaviour, a study by the University of Wales, Bangor has found.

The weekly "incredible years" programme was trialled with 150 parents in mid and north Wales over three months.

The study found classes helped reduce stress and depression for parents and the chances of their children developing anti-social behaviour.

Research leader Judy Hutchings said the classes developed better relationships between parents and their children.

The research, published on bmj.com, said children's behaviour and parents' skills improved "remarkably" after the classes.

The parent is the biggest significant influence in a child's life Judy Hutchings, University of Wales, Bangor

Academics at Bangor studied more than 150 parents across mid and north Wales with children aged three or four from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

All the children were judged to be at risk of developing worsening anti-social behaviour in later life.

'Think about discipline'

The researchers found the classes led to a reduction in anti-social and hyperactive behaviour among the children, and lower instances of stress and depression among parents.

Research leader Dr Hutchings said: "Parents come along for a couple of hours a week and they explore ways that they might be able to support their children.

"We were targeting parents whose children were already demonstrating some quite significant problems.

"The first thing we encourage parents to do is look at how they can improve their relationships with their kids.

"If you have a better relationship, it's more likely that children are going to respond appropriately if you think about discipline or encourage them to do what you want them to do.

"The parent is the biggest significant influence in a child's life, so if we can help the parents to recognise that not all of their children have the same needs and put some clear limits in place, then that certainly seems to help."