Can you be a perfect parent?
As anyone in their right mind will tell you, there's no magic formula for cry-less babies, trouble-free toddlers or teens passionate about homework. Parenting is a natural learning curve, different for every family.
Slightly confusing, then, that Amazon stocks 3,500 books on the subject. And what's more, that they recommend different things: a strict regime here, a soft routine there, a never-say-no and a show-them-who's-boss.
'I think intelligent parents often look at books that aren't relevant, which distracts them from getting on with the job,' says Frank Furedi, Professor of Sociology at the University of Kent and author of Paranoid Parenting.
'Day-to- day child-rearing is full of hassles, and these books create problems by giving things a name,' he says. 'They say parenting requires expertise; they teach you how to touch and feel and laugh with your child, but you don't need a PhD in psychological development to do that - 99.9% of it comes naturally!'
By Rachel Delahey
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Where to next?
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Advice on potty training
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Are you too soft on your kids?
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Being a role model for your child
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Cheating time to get kids to bed early
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Coping with toddler tantrums
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Dealing with a fussy eater
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Dealing with a fussy eater: Notice me!
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Dealing with boys and girls
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Dealing with tantrums
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Dealing with tantrums
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Dealing with the first day of nursery
