Dr. Tanya Byron is a clinical psychologist and author. The following parenting tips and principles are excerpted from The House of Tiny Tearaways* a book based on Dr. Tanya's hit BBC series.

What is a 'good' parent?

Parenting is a job for life which comes without a rulebook. Our own childhood experiences tend to be our starting point for learning what works and what doesn't. We emulate the past if our experience was positive and we avoid past mistakes if it was negative. Invariably, as children begin to grow up, there will be times when we feel we have 'failed' as parents; that we're 'not good enough' or are 'undeserving'.

If you were to ask any adult what they valued most in their parents as children, and what they would like to bring to their own parenting, the following qualities are likely to be fairly high up on their list:

* Love and affection.
* Trust and feeling safe.
* Knowing what to expect.
* Fun and playfulness.
* Clear rules and boundaries.
* Doing things together.
* Encouragement and praise.
* Acceptance of 'who I am'.
* A sense of joy.
* A sense of 'family'.

These traits are unrelated to money, status or where you live; they do not depend upon the size, shape, or ethnic origin of your family. They are qualities that are linked to love, nurture and a sense of belonging in life.

Good parenting comes from the heart. It is consistent, loving, tough but fair, and sets a good example. Good parenting involves accepting the uniqueness of your child, and helping children to develop the confidence to enjoy being themselves.

* The House of Tiny Tearaways was authored by Dr.Tanya Byron and is published by BBC Books, BBC Worldwide Limited.