The vast majority of parents want to do the best for their children, but it is not always easy.

Sometimes, parents have had a bad experience of parenting themselves; sometimes, they are struggling with other pressures such as poverty; sometimes, they just need extra support.

Whatever the issue, NSPCC Scotland has an impressive record of helping children. More and more, the aim is to prevent abuse and neglect happening in the first place.

Today, The Herald launches its Christmas appeal in support of this important work. The campaign will raise money for the NSPCC, but it will also raise awareness of the charity's work. There is the Childline helpline, for instance, which receives thousands of calls every year. NSPCC Scotland also works in maternity wards, and offers advice to parents on how to avoid the new risks for children online.

With the support of our readers, The Herald campaign will help fund these services. The scale of the challenge is clear - last year more than 2,600 young people were placed on child protection registers - but the potential of NSPCC Scotland's mission statement is also undeniable: every childhood is worth fighting for.