I’ve tried every trick in the book to encourage him, but nothing seems to be working.

I would urge you not to dismiss or minimise your daughter’s emotional response, writes child psychotherapist Dr Joanna Fortune 

Keep in mind the old saying: ‘It takes a village to raise a child’

I was shocked by their lack of gratitude, and said as much to them, but they just shrugged their shoulders and sloped off. Have I spoiled my children for life?

My husband was of little help and kept fussing about his mum, who expected to be treated like a queen

Risk-taking activity enables children to experience mastery over a task and encourages them to stretch beyond what they think they can do so that they develop confidence

Celebrate Christmas by celebrating the fun in simple, everyday connections

December 25 can be an intense day, and families often feel under pressure. Manage expectations

"My daughter is asking lots of questions about when Granny will be coming back to play with her. She cries when I say Granny is not well right now. How can I explain to her what is going on?"

The fact that your girls have recently started arguing may not be related to their differences in skill sets and abilities — it is more likely due to a developmental clash based on their ages and stages of development.