Jo Frost

There's a lot of external issues that have a ripple effect on a family and a lot of internal, practical parenting challenges that families are trying to overcome every day. Children become the silent witnesses of such worry within their families.

My parenting skills came from two decades of being in the field helping families and having the opportunity to work with hundreds of families of all different ages.

I had a pretty well-adjusted style of parenting. I think my parents were very young, very open. I think I learned many things from them: etiquette and grace, compassion and charity. And who I am today is due to a lot of attributes of my parents.

Of course we need independence, but who says that should mean doing everything alone and in isolation? That won't make us stronger. Together is always better.

I spent a lot of time in Barbados as a child and I still really enjoy going back there and enjoying the island. Going to Barbados brings back great memories of family holidays.