1 Look for the cause Most tummy bugs are viral and last up to three days. Mucus or blood in diarrhoea and a high temperature mean that it’s bacterial, which might need antibiotics.2 Avoid dehydrationOffer drinks regularly – water is best; avoid juices, fizzy drinks and milk. An o...

Be snap-happyA traditional family photo-album is a classic method of preserving special memories and has been tried and tested for generations. Living in the digital age where so much of our information exists in cyberspace or on memory cards it is lovely to have a tangible book ...

1. Selecting seedsDespite the best efforts of Popeye most young children still seem to have an innate aversion to bitter leafy vegetables such as spinach, and probably won’t be particularly enthused about the idea of growing them. Focus instead on sweet fruit and vegetables more ...

Whether you believe they have mysterious powers, or the notion that they are double trouble, twins never fail to provoke intrigue. It’s thought the increased availability of fertility treatment has seen multiple births soar by a third in a decade to 11,500 a year, the highest lev...

A child’s relationships with other children fall into broad stages. But it is very important for parents to remember that these categories are generalisations only; some children move through these stages at quite a different pace.Up to 12 monthsYour child’s most important relati...

the environment. Projects include anything from beach clearance to creating deadwood habitat piles. The National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk) run several such programmes suitable for over-eights. Another trend, which is sure to appeal to the dawdling toddlers

1. Dress and undressIf she finds it hard to do up her shoes, buy slip-ons with Velcro fastenings. If buttons are a problem, but trousers or skirts with elastic waists and coats with simple fasteners.2. Go to the toilet unsupervisedGet into a toilet routine, e.g wipe, flush, wash ...

Dear Zoo by Rod CampbellThis classic, lift-the-flap book has been a favourite with toddlers for over 20 years. Little readers love joining in with the story of when, "I wrote to the zoo to send me a pet..." Now available as an award-winning Dear Zoo

Rabbits In The Snow by Natalie Russell (Macmillan, £10.99) from 12 monthsWhen six fluffy rabbits play in the snow, they discover a world of opposites. Rose Rabbit skates fast, while Grey Rabbit is slow, Honey Rabbit has a full basket, while Rust Rabbit’s sledge is empty. An impor...

’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