child’s teacher will never replace you in your child’s affections. What teachers want from you as a parent:•    Recognise your child’s teacher as your partner in their development, this will help you utilise the school as      a powerful tool

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

Starting school is often a daunting experience for children. Letting go can be a struggle for the parents too, particularly if your child says she doesn't want to go. The anxiety is more to do with leaving a familiar environment, and their main

1 Use props Tempt your baby with a new bath toy – it is a great way to entice her into the water.2 Share a bathAsk your partner to hold her while you play in the bath with her toys. She will forget her fears and want to join you. 3 Hold off on the hair-washingDon’t try and wash h...

1 Set age-appropriate rulesA two-year-old may not yet be able to chew with her mouth closed, but a four-year-old certainly should. 2 Set an exampleYou can’t expect politeness if you are not polite yourself, so keep saying “please” and “thank you”.3 Explain why good manners matter...

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

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

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 ...

is prone to the odd tantrum.While is it a rare parent who manages to raise a toddler without the odd mid-supermarket meltdown, there are a few simple techniques you can use to defuse outbursts of temper and encourage less-than disorderly conduct

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...