Transitions
Teething-tot Jake is struggling to eat solid food - every time his mum tries, he just gags on it and she's getting worried. But this is normal - solid food is very different from the milk he's been used to. Just feeding him more milk will only fill him up, he won't be hungry for anything else, and you may affect his growth and development in the long term. Instead, persevere - slowly introduce small pieces of bland, soft food which he can easily mash down with his gums; as he gets used to different flavours and textures he will become less resistant.
Controlled Eater
Thomas will eat almost everything he's given - brown bread included - but he just won't touch his veg. Jo suggests offering a choice of two vegetables - Thomas has to the count of ten to pick the one he will have, otherwise Mum will choose it for him. It doesn't have to be a huge portion, but this way, he has some control over the things he eats and even a small amount is doing him good.
Sibling Rivalry
Sisters Louisa and Ali are at war. Their constant bickering about everything, from blocking the view of the television to invading each other's space, has driven their Mum to her wits end as she's called on to settle these disputes.
If your kids are at war:
DON'T TAKE SIDES Ignore minor skirmishes - children need to learn how to sort things out for themselves. Listen to them and help them this resolve together.
DO NOT TOLERATE VIOLENCE If things escalate and become aggressive, put your foot down and make it clear that it is unacceptable to behave in that way.
Bad night's Sleep
Bobby doesn't sleep through the night; every 2 or 3 hours he wakes up itching because of his severe eczema, and has learnt that if he climbs in at the end of his parents' bed, they won't take him back to his own.
Children get distressed and frustrated when they can't sleep, but this isn't an excuse for a change to the routine. If your child wakes up, calm them down, comfort them and take them back to bed. Stay by their bedside for a little while to help settle them. Apply all necessary creams and keep the room - and them - cool.
Sleeping rituals
Mum Olivia is being held ransom by her daughter to keep the rest of the household asleep. Although she is 3 years old, she won't go to sleep without her breast milk and when she wakes in the night her crying threatens to wake her three older siblings. But these demands are wearing Olivia down.
If you have a child that doesn't sleep:
OVER TIRED An hour before bed, calm your child down and read them a story in bed before they go to sleep.
CREATE A BEDTIME RITUAL They will get used to what is expected and what's coming.
STICK TO YOUR GUNS Teaching your children to self-soothe and go off to sleep on their own avoids the whole family suffering from sleep deprivation.
