AN Australian import could help take some of the strife out of family life and give troublesome youngsters a better sense of direction.

Herefordshire mums and dads who are at a loss to know what to do over difficult relationships with their children are being urged to sign up to Triple P - the Positive Parenting Programme.

The aim is to help youngsters develop self-esteem and to "manage their behaviour in a constructive and non-hurtful way" with the accent on "good communication" and "positive attention."

Pilot schemes funded by Government cash through the Children's Fund are being launched at Leominster and Hereford for parents with children aged 5-13 years old.

Project worker Angela Ayliffe is urging parents under stress to "have a go" with a group of like-minded parents. They can learn some useful skills aimed at boosting family harmony, she says.

"Positive Parenting has been going in Australia for 20 years and there is a great deal of evidence that the programmes have helped a lot of children and families," said Angela.

"It has been introduced to other parts of the UK but this is a first for Herefordshire."

Part of the programme is about setting the 'ground rules' on acceptable behaviour and showing youngsters that there are certain 'logical consequences' when the rules are broken.

The reward for the parent is a feeling of being more in control and happier with family life.

Triple P groups are being launched at the Leominster Age Concern training room, at West Street, and in Hereford, at The South Wye Learning Centre. Other venues will also be used throughout the year to suit the needs of parents.

The meetings, hosted by two trained 'facilitators,' will run for two hours once a week for four weeks. The period is followed by a few weeks of weekly telephone sessions with parents at home before a final group session.

Further information is available from Angela Ayliffe or Carol Weston on: 01531 633105/01531 636525.