1 Rock herIf your baby has been fed and changed and she’s still crying, try gently rocking her in your arms.2 Sing songsBabies are soothed by the sound of their mother’s voice and its vibrations, so softly sing your baby to sleep.3 Softly cooIf you don’t fancy singing lullabies, ...

.Read books that raise the issues that your first born might be experiencing, to allow him to talk about his feelings.More parent skills from Junior:Meditation with childrenTeaching the fine art of etiquette

1. Be patientToddlers often muddle up their pronunciation, as they are learning to coordinate almost 100 different vocal muscles.2. Listen carefullyThe sounds that she makes will be similar to real words (she might say “wareesha” for “what’s that?”, for example), but you will nee...

1. Accept that it is normalMost toddlers dawdle, delay and take ages to get ready. It is in their job description.2. Ask yourself why it might be happeningIf your child is on a go-slow, he could be giving you an underlying message: “I’m cross because I’m being forced to rush”, fo...

1. Go camping Make a tent from chairs and old blankets, fill it with soft toys and books, then snuggle together and pretend that you’re camping. 2. Bring her toys to life Once she’s bored with camping, play with her cuddly toys, making them talk to each other in funny voices.3. P...

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, petals and stones from the gar...

Washing is your family's first line of defence against many illnesses. it's not just colds or the flu that can be picked up on fingers. Other bugs include those which cause meningitis hepatitis A and diarrhoea.Gently stress the importance of handwashing by explaining that bugs ca...

Encourage care and considerationOur children’s relationships are likely to be the longest of their lives. The bonds between them will help shape their childhood and the people they will become.Encourage turn-takingThis seems an easier concept for children to grasp than ‘sharing’ ...

and will have the added benefit of clearing your head as well. Getting out and about is incredibly important for new parents as it can restore a sense of normalcy and help with any feelings of stress and isolation. Have a breakHer nappy is dry, she has had a nap

1. Use a baby swing, either indoors or out in the playground, but never leave a baby unattended.2. Babies love bouncy seats that reward their own movement with extra motion feedback.3. Baby bouncers that hang in the doorway are great for older babies (from around eight months) to...