Parents should not shout at their children according to a government-sponsored advice booklet.

Children should be given praise instead says the booklet, From Breakfast To Bedtime, published by the National Family and Parenting Institute, Labour's good parenting quango. The book, which comes with a video, will be launched by a minister this week.

It appears to move the Government nearer to the idea of banning "psychological violence" towards children which, along with smacking, is banned in some European countries.

The book advises: "Respect: Children learn from what you do and say. If you want your children to be polite and respectful, think about what you say and how you say it - raising your voice will have them shouting back and put-downs aren't good for anyone's self confidence."

But critics say children who are sheltered from parental anger will grow up not knowing the difference between right and wrong.