What is the true role of parents and carers in early childhood? This book: *explores the true role of parents and carers in early childhood; *considers key contemporary issues in parenting; *supports students to challenge their own assumptions about parents. Each chapter considers a group of families that may be labelled as hard to reach and considers that the problem lies in practice rather than with families. The book suggests practical advice whilst raising key issues. Each chapter asks current and future practitioners to reflect on and challenge their current practice.