Three mums are using their experience of motherhood plus techniques they learned on a Rathbone course to improve family life in Wigan.

Lynne Ashcroft, Sharon Rutter and Adele Smith-Howarth formed the “Parents United” team to pass on tips on combating teenage problems, at community centres throughout the borough.

And when it comes to giving advice on everything from anger management to tackling truancy, these mothers certainly know best.

Sharon Rutter, Adele Smith-Howarth and Lynne Ashcroft.

Lynne, whose son Jordan is thriving on the Entry to Employment programme at Rathbone Wigan, aims to give parents some seriously handy hints on avoiding conflict in the home. “You can’t allow a difficult relationship with one child to affect your entire family” says Lynne, who admits her house became much calmer after she attended Rathbone’s Surviving Teenagers course.

Mum and grandma Adele also advocates calmness in the face of confrontation. “I learned a number of simple strategies with my son when he was angry. He used to hit the roof but we’re able to discuss things openly – and I’m still left with a front door!”

Loving mum Sharon has had more than her fair share of problems, recently. She says that one of her sons faced a choice between his family and friends – and picked hanging around with the wrong crowd. Says Sharon, “I wouldn’t want what came next to happen to anyone and I want to make sure other Wigan mums don’t have to go through that.”

The trio will be holding their classes at Norley Hall Community Centre on Friday nights (6 30- 7 30 pm) and at Bramble House Community Centre on Bramble Grove in Wigan on Thursday mornings (9 30 – 11 30am). Any parent, guardian or other carer with a child aged 8 year and upwards can come along.

Lynne, Sharon and Adele are searching for locations to run further sessions in plus are on the lookout for experts to do presentations at their sessions.

Backed by SureStart and supported by Wigan Council, the “Surviving Teenagers” programme is organised by Rathbone as part of the Parenting 4 initiative. The course covers everything from establishing behavioural boundaries to coping with raging adolescent hormones. Adele Smith-Howard concluded: “The course was so enjoyable and informative and it brought us all together.”

Anyone who can help “Parents United” should contact Rathbone in Pemberton.