The older one seems to take particular pleasure in annoying the younger one

Because this is not a shared interest for you, be careful you are not projecting your opinions about women who dress up or wear makeup onto her. She sounds like a happy, healthy, typically developing teenager

Don’t just focus on what you will say to your children, focus on listening to them and allowing them to share and express their thoughts, worries, or excitement

Child psychotherapist Dr Joanna Fortune gives advice about an evolving relationship between two brothers

I’ve told her she’s smart almost since the day she was born, but nothing I say seems to make a difference

There is no ideal way to navigate this transition — remember that good enough really is good enough

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?