I do not disagree that a parent is in the position to be the biggest influence to a child, however the development of a child's academic ability, social interaction skills (with other children etc) are developed in different areas of society.Children are exposed to a lot of different situations in different environments, these experiences within society play a major role with development.
Although they are exposed to our views, ideas etc, they are also exposed to a great deal more from a very young age. Once a child reaches school age they spend a lot of waking hours with other people during what is a very influential age.

I guess it depends how much time parents spend discussing the various influences.

There you go with your generalisations again, from your phrase sink estate, I know a leading solicitor, 6 nurses, a doctor, oh and a vet to name a few..I also from one of these estates is educated to degree level.
I also know a politicians son who is a crack head

You specifically stated that non-parental influences are greater than parental influences, which is what I disagreed with. What you state above is different. I still disagree with most of it, though.

Let's take academic ability. Leaving aside natural potential (all children are not born with the same potential), parents play a crucial role here. From engendering the correct attitudes to learning and achievement to supporting the child at home and even providing additional learning opportunities, parents have a huge role to play. Almost without exception the highest achieving children have supportive and involved parents, and vice versa.

Social interaction is again hugely influenced by parents. If a child has had quality interaction with it's parents from an early age it is far more likely to develop successful interaction with both peers and other adults.

Parents also have an important role in mediating outside influences and ensuring that children are equipped to be properly critical of information and experiences they encounter in their 'outside' lives.

Perhaps most importantly, a good parent is constantly aware (as much as is possible) of what their children are interested in and what they are doing. They talk to them about important issues. In short, they properly prepare them to deal with life and instil them with the correct attitudes.

The groundwork laid at a very early age has a continuing influence throughout the life of a child.

OK

Your post is indeed correct, clearly your parenting responsibilities and mine are the same..however maybe I have not put my point across very well, I am with you that parents play an influential role with the development of their child,and set the platform, some more than others. However different environments and people play a bigger role in the development, a more diverse role, nursery, schools, adults, peers, various activities and different groups all count for the experiences of the child, they are exposed to varying influences, attitudes and values, they will interact with hundreds of people, and encounter hundreds of different situations many times without the parents presence and influence, this all contributes to a child development and helps to form the child's own ideas and attitudes.

I have a lot of experience..My degree is in Social & Behavioural Studies, I have not just read about it I have seen it. However not sure what good that is with people like you who know every-thing about everything

You know, this is a really interesting debate and it reminded me of my mother. She had a big personality and my decision-making was greatly influenced by how I thought she would react. She died when my son was one year old and I was saddened that she would never see him grow up or that he would never be positively influenced by her. It was soon evident as he became a toddler that some of his expressions and mannerisms were the same as hers (i.e. mine)... she was still influencing him because of the bearing she had had on my development. So I think parental influence goes beyond the current generation either directly or indirectly.

Characteristics are often transferred to various members of the family..If I had a £1 every-time my husband says "God your like your Nanna" she was a strong willed outspoken female! however I must admit I do admire these characteristics in a female.

You're not a parent so no matter what experience you have you can't understand what a parent goes through. It's not a criticism it's just the way it is. Kids change you and your outlook on life, you won't feel the same way if you have not had your own kids.

Being kept in hospital for more than 24 hours is RIDDOR reportable, doesnt make a difference how you arrived.

As I posted I have seen a lot of deprivation, first hand, also I have done voluntary work/research with groups who encounter various degrees of suffering within society whilst I was studying.

This is not getting personal for me, however I suggest you read your posts, this may offer you an insight into the replies/reactions you get. I enjoy debating/discussing various topics with posters as the majority whether they agree or disagree appear to have the skills to debate/discuss, and know when to agree to disagree without it getting stupid.