The Family Nurturing Network, based in Oxford, offers much-needed help and guidance to parents struggling to cope with their children. Katharine MacAlister paid the charity a visit during National Parenting Week to see the valuable work being done

You could be forgiven for thinking that Stella Turner has the perfect life. An immaculate house in Bicester, four children and husband Marc.

But six months ago the story was very different - you could have heard her yelling at the children from half way down the street. George, eight, was disruptive at school and fought with his siblings.

"I have to admit that some days I hated him," says Stella, 41. That was before she discovered Oxford's Family Nurturing Network and went on a special course with her son.

Since then George has made tremendous progress, is doing better at school, has made lots of new friends and the whole family is calmer and happier as a result.

"After doing the course George is at least 50 per cent better," says his delighted mum.

Courses run over 14 weeks with 12 parents and their children - aged two to 12 - taking part for two-and-a-half hours a time. Parents have group discussions, role play problems with their children and are given homework to try out with their kids.

Meanwhile, the children are given fun activities with a purpose - learning about sharing, socialising and being praised to improve their self-esteem.

The FNN was set up in 1995 by clinical psychologist Ivana Klimes after she realised many of her patients' problems could have been addressed while they were children.

Paul and Debbie Smith of Blackbird Leys have also benefited from the FNN classes. Paul readily admits that he used to dread coming home in the evenings because his son Matthew, five, was argumentative and unable to concentrate on anything.

But now he has been transformed. Paul explains: "He had few friends, never seemed to be able to finish anything or concentrate and didn't seem interested in learning."

The waiting lists at FNN speak for themselves - the charity has calls from all over the world.

With a success rate of 75 per cent, families from all backgrounds are now referred to the FNN via GPs and psych- ologists.

Based in Temple Cowley, the charity also undertakes research into the way children's behaviour will develop if not addressed.

The FNN now organises seven programmes twice a year across Oxfordshire, run by trained co-ordinators. Family Nurturing Network can be reached on 01865 777756.

It is holding a fundraising gala night in Oxford on December 5.