A TV child psychologist has been telling people who work with youngsters in Swindon to trust their instincts.

Dr Tanya Byron's skills as a clinical psychologist and mother are regularly called into play in the House of Tiny Tearaways parenting programme.

In the BBC show, youngsters with problem behaviour are taken into a specially-designed house where Tanya sets about observing and getting to the root of the problem before offering advice and assistance to stressed-out parents who are at the end of their tether.

Addressing the Swindon Sure Start's conference at the De Vere Hotel, Shaw Ridge, yesterday, she told teachers, health carers, pre-school and nursery leaders not to feel pressured into ensuring children behaved perfectly all the time.

"You have to take a systematic view and ask, how can we work differently to make behaviour change?'," she said.

Tanya, who also presents BBC Three's Little Angels, recommended praising good behaviour and ignoring the bad, but denied her own children were angels.

"I have two lovely normal children who challenge us, which makes bringing them up more rewarding," she said.

"This is not about being an expert, but building relationships with children.

"There are so many TV programmes and books, it can make parents feel they are no longer empowered.

"Each parent is an expert on their own children," she said.

"I've worked for 17 years in the health service. Being a parent has helped me more professionally than the other way around."

Tanya, whose husband Bruce plays DC Terry Perkins in ITV's The Bill, said that she tries to understand how difficult parenting can be. And she was quite open about the fact she doesn't always get it right with her children Lily, 11, and eight year-old Jack.

"Normal mums can't always get it right," she said.

"Most of the time when children are behaving badly it is because of an underlying problem like a difficulties at home or at school.

"Investing in time to play with children can be far more effective than following a strict regimented punishment regime."

Kirsty Laird, a teacher at Catherine Wayte Primary School in Abbey Meads, attended the all-day event. She said Tanya's talk was reassuring.

"You hear so much advice about everything these days, but it is really refreshing to hear a trained professional say follow your instincts," she said.

Swindon Sure Start works with childcare providers in the town including nurseries, out of school groups and childminders. It provides training and offers support, to ensure there is enough good quality childcare available.

Conference organiser Sue Pearson said: "This year's theme was Engaging in Communication.

"The idea is to show childcare workers ways they can overcome problems both in work and at home.

"It is a really nice event. People can hear experts that wouldn't normally speak outside London.

"We had more than 200 people this year."

  • You can see House of Tiny Tearaways tonight on BBC3 at 7pm.