Life lessons

He is being generous. In many instances, health professionals can determine at a far earlier stage, even at the time of a baby's birth, whether a child will prosper because of the social background of their parents and whether they have the inclination, and skills, to treat their new-found responsibilities seriously.

It's not just about providing their child with the latest must-have gadget – parenting is also about inspiring, informing and encouraging children to learn as well as setting

clear guidelines on behaviour.

"No" may only be a two-letter word, one of the shortest in the alphabet, but it is crucial – as Mr Field implies – to a child's upbringing and their ability to understand the difference between "right" and "wrong", one of the most fundamental life lessons.

Yet many parents still contend that the responsibility for their child's future lies with the education system, one of the legacies of New Labour's "nanny state".

It is certainly true that too many children are being failed by primary schools – this is far more important than tinkering with A-level and GCSE exams – but, ultimately, it is the parents, irrespective of their financial status, who have it within their power to do their very best for their offspring.

Money does not have to be the answer to each and every one of society's woes – poor parenting included.