Although most of us desire a healthy relationship it's surprising how many of us don't really understand what makes love survive long term. Most of us are bombarded with images of love and sex in magazines, TV adverts, and on the radio but often they idealise, romanticise or trivialise love. So it's hard to work out what the keys to lasting passion and love are.

Self-esteem is what makes a person like themself, think they are a good human being or feel proud of their abilities. But where does the ability to do this come from? As the first role models for a child parents play a major part, believes Sue Atkins, parenting expert and author.

January is the month when most people decide their marriage is over. Divorce is traumatic enough, but when children are involved the conflict that can arise between their parents can make children feel trapped.