This paper argues that parent work should occupy a more central place in the work of child psychotherapists, as it fosters an increase in parents' skill, insight and growth in the service of their offspring. Parent work is also crucial in strengthening the alliance with the therapist who sees the child or young person. The capacity to offer parents psycho-education, respectful challenge, empathy and support at a deeper level than is currently possible is likely to be cost effective, even though it may require more clinical hours devoted to the carer/s. Clinical time can be saved by the opportunity to engage in preventative work, briefer work and potentially more secure and enduring outcomes with the child.