that children learn to express their gratitude in a written form, so here's how to encourage the art of thank you note writing, even from a very early age.• Explain why they're important For a young child, discuss the fact that a friend or family member has

doing most of it).DogMan’s best friend and most popular pet ever. Dogs need plenty of exercise every day, plenty of food and showering with endless attention.CatIndependent, tactile, fastidiously clean and mouse-catchers to boot. They’ll do what

his bikes, scooters and cars before hosing them off. Let your child paint himself (or his friends or, if you’re game, you!) with finger or bath paints, then let him shower off in the sprinkler.Turn an inflatable paddling pool into an imaginary world

go off and find ponds in the middle of the countryside to fish in. At what age and how did you start to notice fashion?I suppose when you become conscious of how you look and dress with your friends it's an obvious sign that you are starting

, the celebrated restaurant, is starred by the Guide Michelin Suisse. The Cinq Mondes Spa has great views over Lake Geneva and the dramatic mountains beyond. Unique suites include rooms such as the Art Deco suite.What do you get for your money? When a family

, the celebrated restaurant, is starred by the Guide Michelin Suisse. The Cinq Mondes Spa has great views over Lake Geneva and the dramatic mountains beyond. Unique suites include rooms such as the Art Deco suite.What do you get for your money? When a family

.■ The Grand Hotel, King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4EQ, tel: 01323 412345. Prices from £199 per room per night B&B.■ For family-friendly attractions and events, visit www.visiteastbourne.com■ Rhinocarhire costs from about £15 per day

-fives eat free. But at the same time sometimes people come out to get away from it all so if a child is coming in the evening it could be problematic. We tend to see that inclusion with families during the day, and our restaurant is quite child friendly

for them and I adore seeing them outdoors, making instant friends and charging around in a gang. Children love the change that camping brings to the family dynamic. Those who naturally lead at home don’t necessarily do so under canvas and this makes

cities like Valencia and Barcelona to the pretty beaches of the Costa Brava in the north east. Or head for the Balearics, to a gorgeous Mallorcan farmhouse, or a family-friendly resort in chilled-out Ibiza. Then there is the cluster of Canary Islands