Supernanny Jo Frost's top three tips for parents

Supernanny is the must-see show for mums and dads everywhere, but who is the real Supernanny?

She's a down-to-earth woman who has learned from hard lessons in life, including the early death of her own mother. Jo Frost talked to us about these issues -- and how they shaped her thoughts on parenting, child development, family values and health -- plus why she's never met a child challenge she can't handle.

Everyone knows you as a TV star, thanks to your hit show, Supernanny. Less well known is the fact that your mother passed away from breast cancer when you were in your early 20s and she was only 43. How has that changed your outlook on life and health?

My mum was 39 when she was diagnosed, and I'm going to be her age this year. Because my mum died so young I go every year and have mammograms and ultrasounds. I want young women to become more aware of how they can do self-exams, recognising that it's not an "old" thing to do. This is not something just your grandma and your mother do. Young women in their mid-20s should get into the habit of having self-exams, feeling for those bumps and knowing what's always there and not. We need to make it fresh and young and hip. My mother found her own breast cancer through a self-exam, and was in remission for four years before it became very aggressive. It's something I feel very passionate about, because losing her was the most devastating thing that's ever happened in my life.

We've all seen you work miracles for families time and again on TV. What is your guiding philosophy of child rearing and has it changed in any way?

It's about bridging the gap between parents and children, so that we have more of an understanding of their development as they grow. Parenting has changed over the years. For a time it was about good, strong values and parents who weren't complacent to discipline when necessary. But the ability to articulate and express and communicate with children wasn't forthcoming. Then there was an overabundance of emotion and expressing yourself and the values were slipping. I find myself as that metronome in the middle, balancing left and right. I want to make parents more conscious of the parents that they want to be, what choices they're making, and how they want to raise their children.

What are the top three things every parent should know when it comes to raising children?

First, stop and think about what kind of parent you want to be and what your family values are. These values are about the things we do as a family, about being responsible and nurturing.

Second, lead by example. Don't be hypocritical. We should be positive role models in our children's lives. Our children look up to us and are inspired by the qualities we have. They're a mirror reflection. They make us laugh at ourselves when they mimic us, and at the same time they make us check ourselves. As parents we're learning along the way as well, but respect is twofold. Show respect and it's given back.

Finally, time is irreplaceable. You can't have growth without time. You can't show your love unless you make the time to show it, and you can't build memories unless you have plenty of it.