Her only-child status may be more ‘correlation over causation’ when it comes to her struggles. Many solo-children can turn-take and share, and many sibling-children will struggle just as you describe.

From clashes with Paul O’Connell to a lifelong bond with Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray reflects on rugby, Munster and retirement

"The transition from primary to secondary school can be particularly challenging for children. Many are still in transition mode because we are only a few weeks back at school, everything is new, and a period of adjustment is needed."

My mum usually picks up my two children from school once a week, but says she won't do so until I apologise for my behaviour. I'm hurt that she has taken sides and is using childcare as a form of leverage.

"Both are in the middle childhood phase (eight to 12 years), meaning they are competitors within the same developmental stage, which can lead to the type of tension you describe."

For a political race that really has no power at the end of a potentially life-altering, chaotic pursuit, one would be wise to wonder, why bother? 

As best you can, set limits and hold boundaries with him in a collaborative, rather than combative, way

You all need to be in the right place to welcome a new family member and it is OK if you don’t feel that you have the capacity to take on any more right now

All you can do is stay in the present moment and adapt to however your little one reacts in the moment

"You need to hold your boundaries and pick your battles. This time of year is exciting for children, as your mother-in-law says, but I also see every day how utterly overstimulating this season can be for them."

Knowing when to step back and let our teens be more independent is not always an easy call to make

If we want our children to be kind to others, we must start by teaching them to be kind to themselves and their siblings

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.

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?"

Celebrate Christmas by celebrating the fun in simple, everyday connections

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

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?

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