techniques. Get local businesses involved, too.3 Talk to the school governorsFind out how they’re working to make classrooms more energy efficient. Is the school committed to green construction?4 Walk to school The average distance a child must travel

one. Are you going to stand in the long queue or the short one? Point out these differences.3 Hot and cold Time to mix a few drinks: do you want hot chocolate or cold apple juice? Talk about winter and summer. At bathtime, check that there’s first cold

Artist and Illustrator Posy Simmonds writes children's books, including the award-winning Fred. Here she talks to Junior about her illustration inspiration"My first drawing was a big woman, covered in buttons, when I was about three. Now I draw

, such as reading a story, playing a game, or just having a chat. Do this daily and tell them how much you enjoy it.Recall successes Talk about your child’s triumphs, especially at moments of low confidence. It will help instill self-value.More psychology tips from

.• If an animal feels threatened, its natural instinct is to protect itself, often with a nip or growl. Talk about what happened to cause the pet to bite to ensure that this doesn't happen again. Explain that animals have feelings, too.• Preschool children are old

tips that can help.• Make the underlying principle one of fairness and involve your child in the decision making. Talk to him about why it is nice to share his cars and ask him to choose which car his friend can play with. This way, he is playing

Do you remember Art Attack?The original series, featuring a talking clay head and enormous artworks created from myriad miscellaneous items was one of ITV’s most enduring children’s shows, running from 1989 to 2007.Now, the classic programme has

Just another cheery feelgood flick from Tim Burton, full of sunshine and smiles...Only joking, this is the master of modern macabre we are talking about here. Burton’s latest oeuvre is a noir-ish stop-motion animation shot in gloriously gloomy black

children learn to read at different rates.If you are concerned about your child's reading, talk to her teacher to see if there is anything you can do together. It's vital that you give your child plenty of encouragement, and enjoy sharing books and reading

stages, like walking to work and foregoing television.The couple found themselves having more time to play with Isabella, reading more, talking more... They discovered a different, calmer side to hectic city life. "We began to think a no-impact experiment