with other parents?(a) Strangely, I find them rather stand-offish. Which is rich considering the outfits they turn up in. I’ve even offered fashion advice, and had it flung back in my face.(b) Unfortunately, yes. (c) Well, they always greet me with broad

chips, dippers and cheesy triangles.Road rage More important than having the right car at the school gates is not losing it when other parents take an age to park, move off. Even cursing under your breath, turning increasingly deeper shades of red

.Nellie Shepherd, party designer to the starsKeep back a few gifts and wrap in some of the used wrapping paper, putting crackers between the layers. Then extend the joy of Christmas by playing Pass The Parcel on Boxing Day to festive music.Penelope Leach, parenting

There's a new vogue for parents from non-religious backgrounds to hold a baby naming ceremony to welcome their new baby to the world. You might want to go for a pagan-style woodland gathering with your baby showered in rose petals. Or maybe you

success will be especially sweet.Risky business Every parent wants to protect their child from life’s risky scenarios, but do this too often for your little boy and you could be damaging his sense of adventure and independence. Taking risks and branching

’s offering has transformed into a scattering of crumbs and empty glass, an illusion which may be shattered if your child creeps out of bed to discover her parents with a mouthful of mince pies and a half empty bottle of port. Waiting until after bedtime

starring role as a bridesmaid or page boy in the ceremony of one of your nearest and dearest. As a parent, you’re pleased as punch, but naturally there are a few jitters too. Will your beautiful bridesmaid dissolve into a torrent of tears to rival those

Be spontaneousAvoid posed pictures and shoot while your child is engaged in a natural activity: playing in the sand pit or paddling pool, climbing trees and making dens are all good starting points.Think candid Hold your camera in your hand, but not up to your face, and take pict...

Define your needs Do you want a live-in or daily nanny? Will your nanny have soul charge or are you or your partner likely to be at home too?.What are her qualifications? Nursery nurses are qualified; nannies by definition, are not. You want someone competent, tr...

Your child's ability to settle herself when going to sleep, and subsequently if she wakes up in the night, is essential to a good night's rest for your child, and indeed you. Yet some children find this a difficult skill to master, often because