1. Jump and hop  Make two circles with two pieces of string – a big circle with a longer piece and a small circle with the shorter piece. Then show your child how to jump up and down inside the bigger circle, then do the same for the small circle. Count each complete jump or chan...

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

.Read books that raise the issues that your first born might be experiencing, to allow him to talk about his feelings.More parent skills from Junior:Meditation with childrenTeaching the fine art of etiquette

Sharing is not something that comes naturally to young children, but it is an important social skill that they will need to master to make friends. As with most skills, your job is to offer gentle guidance, encouragement and praise. Here are a few

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

’t appear until they can understand make-believe from about 18 months. But for many parents evidence abounds that babies are keen to join the comedy club. More baby and toddler tips from Junior:How to improve your child's fine motor skillsHow to have fun

not to be too happy if they’re bundled off into a room of toddlers.At Portugal’s Penha Longha Hotel & Golf Resort, a 30-minute drive from Lisbon, Powder Byrne has programmes for all ages. Scallywags (aged four to nine) can take part in tennis and swimming

encourages the progression of listening and commnication skills, both vital for their later reading development," says Stuart Wilkinson, Project Director at the National Literacy Trust. Between birth and the time they start school, children are in a stage

, an indulgent and romantic evening in your own candle-lit suite? The intuitive, healing hands and aromatic oils of the two skilled therapists will leave you and your partner feeling soothed and nurtured with a 60-minute massage (£240 per couple), before

from Palma in the summer. There are weekly shows and comedy masterclasses, where you can test your stand-up skills. The Island Star is perfect for first-time cruisers thanks to its friendly crew. It’s not as luxurious as some, but there are good