Although parents play a large part in their offspring's lives - such as buying all the toddler clothing they need - they should aim to not become too overbearing.

This is the opinion of author David Code, who told the Observer that contrary to what many believe, giving kids too much attention can be detrimental to their development.

He has penned the To Raise Happy Kids, Put Your Marriage First book where he explains how little ones will be happier as a consequence of their mums and dads getting along.

Mr Code argued that many young people lead troubled lives due to being given too much attention.

He told the newspaper: "By killing ourselves to provide a perfect, trauma-free childhood for our children, we're wasting our energy. The greatest gift you can give your children is to have a fulfilling marriage yourself."

Commentator Alison Morris, editor of advice site MyDaugher.co.uk, recently underlined the importance of sitting down to a meal when trying to build solid family relationships.

Eating together allows mums and dads to teach their offspring about healthy eating, she said.ADNFCR-3005-ID-19604903-ADNFCR