1. Be patient  Many toddlers go through stages of being scared of the dark. At this age, they're still separating reality from their vivid imaginations2. Acknowledge your child's fear  Tell her you understand that the dark can be a scary place – then help her check under the bed ...

to influence a child’s behaviours. Giving simple rewards – making cakes together for instance – are a good way to show how well they have done when reaching specific goals.More psychology from Junior:How to encourage empathy in your toddlerThe science behind

Power rangers The Power Rangers are a bunch of disparate American teenagers who’ve been granted special ninja powers to fight against evil alien mutants that threaten earth. Beneath the lurid lycra suits beat brave hearts who use their powers, and rather exaggerated martial arts ...

makeshift microphone and a captive audience to share the laughs.More psychology from Junior:Ways to boost your child's body imageTen rules for raising successful daughters

There's nothing like the giggle of your child to make your heart sing. Surely there's no sound sweeter. Try these corny jokes to make them smileWhat do you get if you cross a snowman with a vampire?  Frostbite!What do you call a snowman with a suntan?  A puddle!How do you get a s...

1. Understand your toddler's limitations  She is still developing her conscience and sense of empathy for other people, which means her impulse control and ability to be tactful is still limited2. Allow her to let off steam  If you want your toddler to be on her best behaviour fo...

Five benefits of having a girl:1. They're fastidious, and get out of nappies quicker.2. They talk more and are often little chatterboxes.3. You can have more fun dressing them up in pretty dresses and accessories.4. Their feet are never going to smell bad.5. They'll help you deci...

Top twenty traits of teens-before-their-time1. Obsession with personal appearance untainted by a corresponding obsession with personal hygiene.2. Excessive litigiousness.3. Inability to distinguish the difference between "want" and "need".4. Secretiveness. Just what went on in th...

YOUR CHILD WILL begin to grasp the concept of gender as early as nine months, when boys start selecting male super-hero dolls and girls prefer baby dolls and household objects. This is generally because boys have higher levels of  testosterone, leading them to prefer louder, less...

Having a biting child can be not only be painful, but embarrassing, leading to exclusion from playdates, as well as “little chats” at nursery. However, there are easy steps you can take to limit your child’s tooth action to food.Babies may have sore mouths when teething, so provi...