“I was always a water baby,” says Rebecca. “Every family holiday there would be a big group of us, with the children spending practically every waking moment in the pool. I loved being in the water and was always pleading with my mum, ‘Please can we go swimming, please can we go ...

How cute and colourful are these egg cups? Designed by Verner Panton, these two-toned, Sixties patterns are known as Geometry 1 and are the most stylish receptacles in which to dip your soldiers! The egg cups cost £19.60 for a set of four from Stylish Life. 

1. Tap into your child's interestsWhether it's football, horses or witches, seek out books and magazines on her favourite subject.2. Make it rewardingGive books as a reward or a treat, rather than forcing your child to read, as this will help to make them appear worthwhile, excit...

There are splendid summer destinations being offered by Turkey specialist Elixir. Portville is an exclusive cluster of private villas on Gocek Bay. Villas sleep up to six and come with a private Zodiac boat to cruise the network of canals. Seven nights costs £2,970 per week for a...

For meditation, yoga, healthy eating and, above all, a well-earned rest, head for rural Worcestershire, where The Elms hotel is planning two specially themed family breaks in May and September. All the meals, juices, the organic herbal tea bar refreshments – including an organic ...

If you are worried about missing your annual skiing holiday this year due to the credit crunch, the new website www.holidaylettings.co.uk has an excellent range of chalets for families with varying budgets.Blacksmith Lodge at Big White in Canada sleeps up to nine and costs £850–£...

easyJet are offering four flights a week from London Gatwick on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer. Rhodes has something for all the family – ancient history, beaches, shopping and wonderful walks and cruises on the blue, blue waters. Fares start f...

Cooking With Kids (Ryland Peters & Small, £14.99). 

There is a great variety of incredible museums, such as the Experience Music Project, which is a hands-on music exhibit where you can star in your own rock video or you can zoom up the Space Needle for breathtaking views of the city and the forested coastline.The Fairmont Olympic...

British Airways has launched three new routes to the Maldives and Sharm el-Sheikh and Las Vegas – all featured by Thomson Tailormade. There are three flights weekly from Gatwick to the Maldives from £530 per adult, £450 per child return. Seven nights at this paradise island costs...