that even that small pleasure is lost. And Sam’s picked up on this. “Do you think it’s a bit like being in prison? A nice prison, where people are kind to you, of course,” Sam asks as he is locking them in their hutch one day. More parent skills from Junior

For a taste of the circus in an idyllic Italian setting, Il Torrino apartments in Tuscany are offering free Clown Skills classes for adults and children. The apartments sleep from two to eight and have a pool and tennis court. From £480per week

and sleeping.What are the benefits? Parents who micro-manage their child’s lives may feel that by building up their children’s skill set in as many areas as possible, they are giving them the best chance of a successful future. School-gate pressure can play a

Miniland Educational Pairs Game £21Matching games are a great way to hone your child’s memory and concentration. Suitable from three years, this Pairs Game will also boost vocabulary and thinking skills – and add a touch of competitive spirit!

quality materials to cope with hours of robust play, it can be ridden, pushed, pulled and cuddled. It’s just the thing to help promote self-confidence, spatial awareness and motor skills in toddlers. It costs £45 for the small size; £55 for large, from

Lego Duplo Number Train £13Lego, maker of the world's favourite building blocks, comes up trumps with this chunky train that also helps teach early number skills. A truly timeless classic that perfects sums up the Lego philosophy: build, play

Luxury Africa specialist Cheli & Peacock has introduced a unique family holiday, where children can learn about the Samburu tribe of Kenya, including their bush survival skills.Families will learn about tracking elephant and leopard and Samburu

for children to grasp than ‘sharing’ which they often equate to ‘giving up’ precious possessions. Once they’ve grasped the basics, turn-taking can also be used to negotiate issues of choice and to encourage listening skills.Intervene effectively

of shapes and colours, there’s a selection of still-life images next to a blank page for your child to hone her observation and artistic skills, and tons of other fun ideas. Girl’s Best Book Of Knitting, Sewing, and Embroidery Stewart

tools. Feeling weight of the sand as well as judging the amount in a pile and how best to grab it will help to develop her fine motor skills.2. BuildChildren love putting their creative flair and imaginations into exciting new projects, so encourage your