items or memories are most important to him.5. Cook up a stormMany children love to play with fake food and kitchens, and cardboard is the perfect material to create a make-believe feast with your child. Take a large circle of thick card, paint it red

Simple but effective, children will love creating this high-flying rocket. It can shoot up to five metres into the air, so it’s best to make use it outdoors and stand back before blast off; you may also want to provide safety glasses for children to wear. It’s important t...

room Junior has ever seen - fitted with purple piano and an extensive collection of instruments and musical gadgets - to culinary chambers complete with kitchen equipment and well-trained staff, to the soft play area - a complete play time paradise

. And guess what? It’s really good for him (even if it may mean soggy clothes for you). Lively outdoor play activities are important for your child’s development of independence and autonomy. According to the Children and Nature Network Research Studies, when

and emotions, whereas boys tend to focus on common interests: a computer game, football or playing with tractors. Girls bond with small groups, while boys have a wider, but more casual, circle of friends. Your child is reliant on you for a wide friendship

In the April issue of Junior, out on March 2, we feature some brilliant crafty ideas from Homemade Home by Sania Pell (CICO, £16.99). For full instructions, be sure to pick up your copy of Junior. Print out this template to 4x its size and use to make your flag and playsail.

or the largest shell on the beach as well as who can find the smoothest shell, the most brightly coloured shell, the heaviest shell6. Play sand bullseye Draw a large circle in the sand and mark a ‘throw line’, then take turns tossing shells or small stones to hit

1. Fold the two opposite ends of a square piece of paper to make a triangle, then fold the opposite ends of the triangle to make a smaller one.2. Open the paper up and fold a corner into the centre point, repeat with the opposite corner – you should now have a square.3. Turn the ...

1. Cut two circles from cardboard about the size of the pom poms to be created.2. Cut a circle out of the middle (fold the card in half to cut out this circle).3. Place the two cardboard circles together, then wind a ball of wool through the centre hole and around the outside.4. ...

is dressing up as an occasional part of play,” she says. “In fact, this kind of role play is actually a normal and healthy part of growing up and helps your child develop his sense of self.” Felix is not alone in his penchant for wanting to occasionally switch