How do children feel about their surrogate mother? Do children need a father? Parenting: What Really Counts? Examines the scientific evidence on what really matters for children's healthy psychological development. The first section considers whether it is necessary to have two parents, a father present, parents who have a genetic link with their child, or parents who are heterosexual. Section two explores the psychological processes that underlie optimal development for children, particularly the quality of the child's relationship with parents, other family members and the wider social world. Contrary to common assumptions, Susan Golombok concludes that family structure makes little difference to children's day-to-day experiences of life.