In last week's paper, Denis Campbell warned that parental pressure is creating a lost generation of stressed middle-class kids.
The piece has drawn a stong response from parents, non-parents and teachers, and some suggestions for those over-ambitious parents to consider.
'A large number of parents are beginning to realise that educational success has more do with parenting than with teaching', writes David Griffiths, a former teacher and psychologist.
'Successful students usually come from homes where parents are warm, firm and supportive of teenagers' growing sense of autonomy.'
Mr Griffiths outlines four parenting styles:
Neglectful parents who ignore children and let them do as they wish.
Permissive parents who allow wide freedom but discuss implications of behaviour as with equals.
Authoritarian parents who believe in strict discipline and obedience; they punish misbehaviour severely.
Authoritative parents who try to strike a balance between permissive and authoritarian. They are prepared to discuss matters with their children. They set clear guidelines and if they are crossed, children may be disciplined.
Mr Griffiths says that research shows that authoritative style consistently outscores the others. It is more important than family income or composition or quality of teaching.
'Growing up in an authoritative home helps children mature earlier because they are encouraged to accept responsibility for what they do. They are more likely to take pleasure in working hard and producing quality work.'
It sounds a reasonable approach, but perhaps your experience as a parent - or a struggling teenager - makes you disagree.
