IT’S common enough for children to perceive that a grandparent prefers a sibling or cousin over them.

YOU’RE about to visit Granny when your child announces he doesn’t want to go.

Routine is key to keeping things smooth, says Helen O’Callaghan.

YOU ARE set for a family trip to an open farm and your daughter wants to wear a frilly, ankle-length princess dress. You think she’ll look ridiculous and tell her so.

IT can be tempting to let your young child win most of the games you play together. After all, he’s only little and you want to build his confidence.

YOUR child arrives home from school. “Did you have a good day?” you ask. The answer’s a monosyllabic “yes” or “no”.

Hoovers and animals sounds can cause distress to your child, writes Helen O’Callaghan.

HOW do you get your children to bed at a decent hour, especially now that school is back?

Simon Cowell, the man, who had always said he was “too selfish’’ to have children, is apparently going to become a daddy at the age of 53. No wonder he is “freaked out’’ by the news.

REFLECTIVE listening — listening in such a way that the child’s experience is acknowledged and validated — is something we all think we do as parents.

Overwhelming emotions during the day can trigger nightmares, reports Helen O’Callaghan.