Older babies and toddlers have an uncanny ability to undress themselves, whipping off shoes, socks or headgear at - well, the drop of a hat; but it takes much more skill and co-ordination for a child to get dressed independently.WhenFrom around 15

of your child will be actively connecting with each other, forming networks and facilitating the learning of skills and information. Repetition, in particular can assist with this as hearing something several times is the best way for a toddler to learn

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

-loving daughter joyfully announces: “Bed!” FIVE JumpingAt the grand old age of 17 months, my toddler is unspeakably delighted with her new skill: jumping. She jumps everywhere. On our bed, on the tiled kitchen floor (eek), on the stairs (double eek

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

THERE ARE SOME things in life that just go together. Like fish and chips. Laurel and Hardy. Toddlers and puddles. And the moment, your toddler spies that tantalizing pool of water, there’s something in his psyche that urges him to make a splash

1. SortingGather a collection of small objects such as buttons, pennies or paper clips and ask your child to sort them into piles.2. DressingLet your child help to get herself dressed in the mornings – clothing fastenings like poppers, zips, buttons

Sibling rivalry is greatest when the age gap between children is between 18 months and two years; it is lowest when the gap is much smaller or larger than this. It doesn’t only affect first-borns – second and third children can resent a new baby too

Lead by exampleToddlers are renowned for their sponge-like ability to soak up the words, actions and behaviour they witness and then test it out on others. Try to avoid talking negatively about other people or using insulting language in front

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