In this study I discuss the forms of practical knowledge inherent in parent-child-relation, as described by the british pediatrician and psychoanalytic DonaldWinnicott. Winnicott was a successful broadcaster for the BBC during and after thesecond world war, he spoke on subjects concerning child rearing, psychology andfamily dynamics. The material of this study is the written versions of Winnicott’sbroadcasting, published as parental guiding books aimed specifically at mothers butalso addressing a wider public. The method consist of identifying and naming the twodifferent kinds of practical knowledge that Winnicott discuss, which I have calledintuitive knowledge and instructional knowledge. The results show that Winnicott’sview of knowledge influences the way he adresses his subjects, and that it is anintegrated part of his social criticism. In the study I show that the division betweenintuitive knowledge and instructional knowledge is crucial for a deeper understandingof Winnicott’s view’s on parenthood and society, as well as for the wider historicalunderstanding of the inter- and after-war periods in Great Britain.