of handwashing by explaining that bugs can be picked up from surfaces like door knobs, or by touching animals. You could try reading a book such as Tony Ross's I Don't Want To Wash My Hands which playfully explores the importance of good hygiene in a child

Teaching your child good hygiene habits needn't be a chore, and once firmly established, they will last a lifetime, ensuring your child's future health. Here are a few pointers to get you and your child started:1. Hand on heart Okay, here's a

Many children are naturally drawn to animals from an early age. Introducing a pet not only teaches your child about how to care for something, but also teaches him about responsibility, too.• One of the most important things to remember is that your

■ There’s no need to wash your tiny baby’s hair with shampoo. Holding her securely, place your hand firmly behind her head and, making lots of reassuring eye-to-eye contact, rinse her scalp with warm water. ■  Try a shampoo that is specifically

not to share. Teach them to respect other people’s property and that they may not always be able to have what they want.• Always give your child lots of encouragement and praise when he shares.More lifeskills: Washing handsLooking after a pet

Babies up to 18 monthsHold your baby while he ‘swims’ in the bath, and let water trickle over his body so he can discover how it feels. Teach him to make a splash by patting your hands on the surface of the water in the bath, or in a washing-up bowl

routine, e.g wipe, flush, wash hands. Don’t forget to praise your child each time she remembers the routine.3. Wash and dry face and handsCreate a little story about what happens when she does this – the superhero properties in the water that will rid her

-in is the perfect way to chart growth. All you need is the back of a door, or a length of wood – like a broom pole – on which to mark your annual height measurements. Mark the height of each child, along with their age and the date. You could do the same with hand

pasta6 black olivesHandful diced cucumberHandful cherry tomatoes, halved200g (7oz) feta cheese, cubed2tbsp red wine vinegar3tbsp extra virgin olive oilMethod1 Boil the pasta in salted water. Drain, rinse with cold water and rinse again.2 Place in a bowl

 once oil production peaks. Teaching your child to think for herself is a key part of green parenting. My girls obviously need space to be teenagers, but, so far, allowing them to help choose what we do and involving them in map reading or sorting out train