It is an observation not a criticism, but Frost’s conversation suggests a woman who acts on instinct rather than intellect. Asked how she fits into the history of child-rearing gurus, from Dr Spock to Penelope Leach, she says she doesn’t know because she has never read the textbooks in her field. Her knowledge is experiential, not academic. “I am very intuitive with children. I’ve been in many situations, so I’ve used my experience to come up with the insights and techniques I implement with children. They’re tried and tested.” …

When she looks at a child, she doesn’t see what others see. “I know I don’t see the same thing because I’ll sit with people who say, ‘My God, she’s dreadful!’ And I won’t see that. I see what’s on the inside, and that’s what I want to show parents. It amazes me that people don’t see it.” …

The most important thing for young children, argues Frost, is structure. They need boundaries and they need consistency. When asked to name the biggest mistake modern parents make, Frost immediately says, “Not keeping their word. Parents who say one thing and then change it to suit themselves. And getting angry,” she adds. “When did it become acceptable to shout and swear at your children because you’re working 24 hours a day and are stressed and angry? Is that a good excuse? Not for me.” …

Source: The Scotsman.com
http://living.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1056562006