YOUNG children at Touch Nursery who have problems with aggressive and stubborn behaviour are reaping the benefits of parenting groups.

Around one in 10 pre-school kids show persistent behaviour problems, such as aggression and non-compliance, and last year the Scottish Government supported early years staff in Fife to run parenting groups to help the troublesome toddlers. The aim of the initiative is to address the children’s behaviour early on to reduce the risk of school exclusion, substance misuse and mental health problems as they grow up.

Co-ordinator and head of the Child and Family Clinical Service, Dr Marie Renaud, is delighted that the initiative is making a difference and said the feedback had been extremely encouraging. “Ultimately, we know that this group of children are twice as likely to leave school with no qualifications, four times as likely to become drug dependent and 20 times more likely to go to prison,” she explained.

“Therefore, this support is invaluable for changing the futures of children in Fife and I am pleased that parents are benefiting from it.” Across Fife, more than 280 parents benefited from the support, which helped them to set their three- and four-year-old children on a more positive life course by getting rid of the stresses linked with challenging behaviour.

The sessions at Touch Nursery were one of the groups rolled out by NHS Fife, Fife Council and voluntary sector staff. Parents worked on strengthening their relationships with their children and encouraged them to improve their behaviour.