A prime example on how to illicit international sympathy whilst simultaneously neglecting your child has emerged in recent days.
The tragic death of Conley Thompson has highlighted just how you can be a truly shite parent and still have people feel sorry for you.
Allowing her 7 year old son to play out alone at 8pm a mile and a half away from her home, Conley's mother despatched his grandmother to accept world sympathy.
Allegedly keeping her head down in case it finally dawns on people that had she looked after her son properly this tragedy would never have happened, his mother, Paula is said to be upset.
'She's a wreck' said Conley's grandmother.
'I won't hear a word against her parenting especially considering what she's been through with him.'
'I am of course inferring he's a difficult child but can't say that of the dead. I also can't acknowledge that children aren't born difficult nut aare made that way through incompetant and neglectful parenting.'
'No, nobody is to blame. Well, except maybe the building site. Yes, we'll be suing them, obviously.'