It is a widely held stereotype that children who grow up without brothers or sisters may be 'oddballs' or 'misfits'. But new research undermines that notion — suggesting that any deficiency that does exist in only children's social skills when they are young has disappeared by their teens.

Ever heard this saying? “When mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” It’s a funny phrase, but it’s also true -- babies mirror their parents’ feelings.

Scientists say children do not mind criticism as long as they are also praised… Compliments must outnumber negative comments by 2:1, say researchers…Study of 400 families undertaken by scientists in Zurich and New York…Children can cope with parental conflict if behaviour is mostly supportive…

Most of the parents employ this formula delightedly: one disguises hard guy, another disguises relaxed one. This is the confrontation of good & evil, and the majority feels that is effective. For long run, it may not, or even engenders the side effect. Indeed, “Confrontation of Good & Evil” is not a good parenting method.

Psychologist Professor Tanya Byron claims teenagers from aspirational families have not got the “emotional resilience” to cope with failure.