What is it? When a parent ensures their child has a busier schedule than David Cameron, fitting in hours of sports clubs, music lessons and any other hobbies you might care to think of, not to mention school, homework and the small matters of eating

more aware of the outside world, they also discover that smiling results in pleasurable attention from their parents and carers.By eight to 12 months, your baby’s smiles become an ‘anticipatory’, meaning she will expect to receive a smile in return

Lead by exampleToddlers are renowned for their sponge-like ability to soak up the words, actions and behaviour they witness and then test it out on others. Try to avoid talking negatively about other people or using insulting language in front of your child; treating people with ...

in a bottle.Don't give older children cola (or even diet cola). It's acidic, and delivers empty calories. Don't let children drink anything except water after brushing at night.Don't accept second-rate dentistry. Ask questions! Demand advice

Show pride in your child Display your child’s drawings or schoolwork around your home and speak highly of them to others.Attend school activities Show interest in your child’s school plays and sports days. This tells your child that his or her special events are also important to...

.Read books that raise the issues that your first born might be experiencing, to allow him to talk about his feelings.More parent skills from Junior:Meditation with childrenTeaching the fine art of etiquette

1. Be patientToddlers often muddle up their pronunciation, as they are learning to coordinate almost 100 different vocal muscles.2. Listen carefullyThe sounds that she makes will be similar to real words (she might say “wareesha” for “what’s that?”, for example), but you will nee...

1. Accept that it is normalMost toddlers dawdle, delay and take ages to get ready. It is in their job description.2. Ask yourself why it might be happeningIf your child is on a go-slow, he could be giving you an underlying message: “I’m cross because I’m being forced to rush”, fo...

1. Go camping Make a tent from chairs and old blankets, fill it with soft toys and books, then snuggle together and pretend that you’re camping. 2. Bring her toys to life Once she’s bored with camping, play with her cuddly toys, making them talk to each other in funny voices.3. P...

Washing is your family's first line of defence against many illnesses. it's not just colds or the flu that can be picked up on fingers. Other bugs include those which cause meningitis hepatitis A and diarrhoea.Gently stress the importance of handwashing by explaining that bugs ca...