Some parents are so relaxed they're practically horizontal

There is nothing more taboo than criticising other people's parenting skills.

If you even dare step over this line you are guaranteed an ear full and you should also brace yourself for a bashing of your own abilities as a parent in return.

That doesn't mean I can't have a moan on my own blog though does it? Best check the front door is securely locked and bolted. and the ferocious guard dog is definitely on order, and here I go.

I have a bone to pick with the neighbours who live over the way.

Is it just me or is the fact they were sat out in their garden with their three little children at gone 9pm at night a little shocking? As far as I'm concerned those children should have been in bed at that hour.

My daughter had been in bed since 7pm, like every night, and if nothing else, the cries and shouts from the little ones across the way were in great danger of waking her up.

I know for a fact me and my husband are not alone in having a strict bedroom routine. Many other people we know make sure their children are in bed at a reasonable hour. Certainly in bed by eight at the very latest. But for every person who subscribes to this way of thinking, there are many more who seem to let their children run riot after hours.

It used to bug me a little before I became a parent that some people allowed this to happen. If nothing else it made me reflect on my own childhood and how it used to be a treat to be allowed to stay up and watch Coronation Street.

But now I am a parent seeing children up so late every night actually upsets me. It upsets me because I really feel it is not fair on the children. If they are up at this hour they are just not getting the sleep they need. When children are small they need plenty of sleep to allow them to grow and develop but also so that they are happy and alert during daytime hours.

To me this is common-sense but the evidence suggests that some parents are oblivious to the importance of sleep for children or just don't care.

A lot of these routine-less parents argue they have more freedom to do what they want to do when they want.

I would argue that I'd rather schedule my day around a happy and well-rested child than have the freedom to do all that I wanted with a cross and tired toddler in tow.