-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

18 months until about four, consider short hops within Europe. On charter flights, pay extra to book the premium seats, so you can minimise check-in time and stress. Think about paying for lounge access in busy airports at peak time.Consider breaking

skills, while girls have better fine motor skills,” explains psychologist Linda Blair. From about 18 months, it’s a matter of how each gender regards the material: girls may like to handle a shape and take their time looking at it, while boys

is how Danny is feeling.” Be confident and firm.Demonstrate empathy Younger toddlers may not be able to understand an explanation, so you need to show empathy. When your toddler is hurt, show him that you are sad; if he is happy, be happy with him. Talk

Most children start talking between about nine and 15 months, starting to enunciate clearly at about two years. However, not all children find language so simple and still haven’t produced their first words when all around them are already nattering

his Bob the Builder sweatshirt for something, well, a little more glamorous. Experts believe that most preschool boys experiment by trying on girls’ clothing at least once during these early years. It’s a natural part of toddler curiosity to explore

-In-A-PotMakes 4 servings for a 15-month-oldIngredients1 pumpkin500g (17oz) minced pork or beef or cooked unsalted beans250g (9oz) onion, chopped3 cooking apples, cored and cut125ml (4fl oz) water or stock60g (21/4fl oz) raisins1/2 tsp dried basil or thyme

stars. High Street, Bray, Berkshire SL6 2AQ. Tel: 01628 580333; www.fatduck.co.ukThe Ivy Non-smoking, glamorous but laid-back. Weekend lunch menu has simple food; children can order smaller portions. 1–5 West Street, London WC2H 9NQ. Tel: 020 7836 4751

1. Understand your toddler's limitations  She is still developing her conscience and sense of empathy for other people, which means her impulse control and ability to be tactful is still limited2. Allow her to let off steam  If you want your toddler

, but from an early age it was my grandmother; I use her recipe for potato gnocchi, which has been in her family for 200 years and was passed down to her from her own grandmother. What’s the best dish on your menu to entice a fussy eater? I think it would