Older babies and toddlers have an uncanny ability to undress themselves, whipping off shoes, socks or headgear at - well, the drop of a hat; but it takes much more skill and co-ordination for a child to get dressed independently.WhenFrom around 15

What do you get when you mix an enchanting woodland glade with a tent-full of fancy dress costumes and an army of excited young festival-goers? Why it's Junior Magazine's catwalk extravaganza at the Just So Festival 2011!When the Junior team took

1 Set reasonable rulesLet children know when and where superhero play is allowed. Give safe limits, such as “Only in the garden” and “No jumping off the shed”.2 Encourage the creative aspectsHelp your child make her own superhero costumes rather than buy ready-made acrylic suits;...

Pale blue Gruffalo dressing gown £16.50 by Their Nibs

1. Picking a costumeWhen picking out an outfit for your little monsters avoid anything that will trail on the ground, cause any discomfort or restrict their movement. Masks and wigs can be irritating and itchy, and children tend to pull them off quite quickly, leaving your child ...

1. SortingGather a collection of small objects such as buttons, pennies or paper clips and ask your child to sort them into piles.2. DressingLet your child help to get herself dressed in the mornings – clothing fastenings like poppers, zips, buttons

Friends Forever Pudsey And Blush £59.50Or Bears £15 each, Dress And Pyjamas £10 each, Shoes £4.50 per pair all by Build A Bear Workshop

Wrapped up in a super-soft lambswool fairisle dress with a pom pom scarf and a saucy wink, this new rag doll is the perfect blend of cute, cuddly and cheeky for your child...Wink Knitted Dolly, £34.95 by Sally Nencini at FollyDon't miss... Junior

1 Dress up Create a dress-up box. A doctor, a dragon or Darth Vader… pretending to be something or someone else will let your child’s imagination run riot.2 Stimulate sensesYour child will love exploring different textures and scents. Gather leaves

, Northeners used to celebrate by throwing horse chestnuts onto a fire and predicting the future based on how the nuts exploded. Dress up in magical and macabre finery and have a crack at some traditional Halloween pursuits during these Nut Crack Night