Early intervention to help parents manage behavioural and emotional problems in early adolescents: What parents want

Parents of 468 children aged between 12 and 14 years in ten high schools in a city in regional north Queensland and metropolitan Melbourne participated in a survey of early adolescent behaviour. The major undesirable behaviours experienced by parents were fighting with siblings, talking back to adults, moodiness, and school difficulties. Frequently listed desirable behaviours that were experienced were related to housework and communication. Parents indicated a desire for education to help them assist their teenage children develop more appropriate behaviour, and in particular in regard to better managing their emotions. The findings are discussed in the context of the challenge of designing and delivering effective early intervention programs to large numbers of parents of early adolescents.