Since then, he has become very withdrawn and finds it hard to go outside even to play with friends, as he doesn’t feel good enough now

"The best thing you can do for your children in the meantime is to take care of yourselves and each other. Focus on maintaining open communication and connection, and ensure you have a support system you can activate for yourselves: Friends, family, professional therapy, etc."

Between two and a half and three years, many children can use 50 to 100 different words and follow two-step instructions, for example: “Can you pick up your shoe and bring it to me, please?'.

"You describe her as always having been a 'picky eater'. I wonder if there has always been an emotional charge around food in your relationship as a result of this."

I’m also worried that my eldest daughter feels obliged to play with her lonely sister

"He once had all your undivided attention, and now he must share it with his sibling. He understandably resents that right now. And I agree with you that he will adjust, albeit this is taking him some time."

Is this just a phase? We are afraid he will miss out on wonderful opportunities in the future if he deems it a win-lose scenario

"With busy working schedules that don’t always lend themselves to the early bedtimes of very young children, we have to get creative with our playful connections and maximise those small windows of playtime we might be getting each day."

"The fact that your children are now asking about it indicates they are identifying the difference between the grandmother who is physically and emotionally present in your lives and the one who is notably not so."

"I am curious how you have set up your expectations for your children. Are there set chores each is responsible for each day and week?"

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

My husband is a big sports fan but my son couldn't care less so they miss out on the bonding opportunity of watching a game or going to matches

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

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

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

You feel overwhelmed because this is an overwhelming time but putting a plan in place to get help from your husband or friends could make a big difference

Your children are still adjusting to a significant cultural upheaval, which may make the transition to their new group care environment even more challenging

My nine-year-old daughter says I’m busy all the time. I want to be a good parent, but I also need to think of my future career

It is essential to keep the doors of communication open on this so she can come to you to talk through aspects of her relationships with you in a safe and supportive way.

My partner lets our school children make their own mistakes, while I am more protective. Now our children are playing us off each other