You report that police are run ragged by hooligans in Didcot (Oxford Mail, December 12). No-one was brought to book because there were not enough police.

Morning-after pills are being given out with no parental know-ledge. Painkillers for illness cannot be given without our consent.

Now, if your child is a truant, the headteacher will issue you with a ticket.

Our eldest child was fine until he reached upper school. Since then, it has been a nightmare.

He is bucking against the system and all the Dutch uncle tales and sanctions have made no difference.

I think I have the right ideas. I don't really think I need parenting classes.

I didn't think much of school, but I got on with it. Why? My parents. I wouldn't have dreamed of putting them through what we're going through now.

Times have changed. Some children are not going to be told what to do. I am afraid our eldest is one of them.

When we have made rules, we have been sworn at and told: "I'll do what I like and you try and stop me."

He has disappeared and not come home several times. Do we throw him out and add to society's problems?

Just because some children rebel, it doesn't mean their parents are doing the wrong thing.

Children need to be held responsible for their actions, not their parents.

What do you do with a child who pushes past you, runs off and couldn't care less what you value? Discipline is tricky and human rights are paramount.

But be careful how you handle your child. You could be prosecuted -- by them.

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