Do we really keep on rowing with our children?

A new study from Michigan University has found that even when children hit middle-age and become parents themselves, they are still keen to row with their mum and dad.

And they claim that arguments are most heated between mothers and daughters, with the same subject coming up again and again - children's anger at their parents trying to run their lives.

The researchers asked nearly 500 sets of parents and their adult children, aged 22 and above, to write down conversations, problems in the past and perceived differences in their relationship.

They found teenagers became angry at being told how to dress, while older children-resented advice on how to bring up their offspring or being quizzed about their finances.

Kira Birditt, who led the study, which is due to be published in the journal Psychology and Ageing, said: 'The parent-child relationship is one of the longest lasting social ties humans establish.

'This tie is often highly positive and supportive but it also commonly includes feelings of irritation, tension and ambivalence.

'It may be that children feel their mothers make more demands for closeness or they are generally more intrusive than fathers.'

However, the study also found that both parties made an effort to understand each other's point of view as they got older.

I am sure we are all relieved to hear that!