not owned by families where both parents are working. If, however, you have the time to take on the responsibility, dogs with good temperaments include golden and Labrador retrievers, Welsh corgis, boxers, collies, Irish setters and whippets. Going large

There is everything you need for children – such as toys or potties – along with extras, such as babysitting, and spa treatments. The latest properties include The Finca la Luci in Andalucia, Spain, which sleeps up to 14 and the Casas Migjorn in Menorca – three villas which sleep...

the grass to a ‘hole’); or target practice (where you aim for a certain object) are all good games to play.4. Teddy Bear's Picnic  If you go out in the woods today... the whole family will have some fun. Learn songs and take a few storybooks with you (Winnie

1. Write your name or funny messages in the sand with shells2. Decorate sand-pies and sandcastles with different shaped shells3. Have a rock-pool ramble  Learn about the food chain of this natural aquarium so your child understands how it works: look at the different seaweeds, th...

sandy beaches, seaside villages and laid-back atmosphere, sun-blessed Kefalonia is a great family destination. Sidestep the holidaymaking hordes without sacrificing the things that keep children (and adults) happy at this nautically themed boutique

1. Make your coppers shine  Collect up a handful of copper coins, then set up five glasses on the kitchen bench and put at least one coin in each glass to test out ‘cleaning solutions’ that are ‘rumoured’ to magically shine your copper coins. Your child can choose any ‘magic solu...

1.  Pack a picnic hamper  ...with damper (recipe below), fruit and chocolates, then enjoy an afternoon in the garden with a variety of traditional games: boules, a giant snakes-and-ladders, skittles.2. Make gingerbread men  Why not try making characters from your child’s favourit...

1. Throw an afternoon tea party  A tiny table, a pot of lukewarm ‘tea’, cups, saucers, serviettes and spoons and your toddler will be acting like the perfect lady of the house... Encourage her to ‘pour the tea’ and ‘add the sugar’. Offer plenty of pleases and thank-yous.2. ‘Paint...

1. Do a circus routine  Encourage your child to practise being a clown (for costumes, use ping-pong balls for a big red nose, colourful oversize clothing, some funny glasses and a big hat), an acrobat (who does cartwheels, somersaults and handstands), a juggler (you could use thr...

1. DJ and disco Give your child the run of the CDs for the day and have her put together a playlist for a disco. Ask her to make decorations and name the event, then set a time when she will play DJ (with Dad’s help) while you take to the dance floor. If your child is too young t...