Hmmm, well, we knew who we weren't going to take parenting styles from, because we'd see other people with their kids and we'd say, 'well, were not doing that with out kids' etc.

I certainly don't parent like my Mum thats for sure, which is probably a very bad thing to say, but as kids we had no discipline as such and things just went downhill after Mum and dad divorced. Mum was always a softie and basically let us get away with a lot. I am a lot stricter and Mum tells me I'm too hard on the kids, but I don't think I am, just more strict that what she ever was.

I suppose the most influence has come from DH's Mum. She is not overbearing or overly enthusiastic with unwanted advice, but she is there when we need her and will offer advice when it is asked. We are trying to bring up our kids much the same as DH was brought up, ie eating as a family, set bedtimes etc and a firm but gentle hand IYKWIM?