and make it an enjoyable experience for everyone:Visit the school together first to give them the opportunity to familiarise themselves and see other children having fun.Read books together about starting school. Try, My First Day at Nursery School

Got a child who’ll soon be starting nursery or pre-school?There's no need to worry if they can't recognise letters or numbers yet - that's what pre-school is for.But if you are looking for fun educational ways to give your child a little bit of a

be difficult, so make sure he knows that he is special.'Left-handed children's scissors cost £3.75, from www.anythingleft-handed.co.ukNow that your toddler's social skills a re developing quickly, encourage him to make friends with others.DO ask children

Play that encourages your toddler to use his imagination and express his artistic talents will boost development and is also loads of fun! These brilliant toys will get him off to a great start...Play to learn

and may even start to cry. She'll also start making her first sounds like cooing while she's doing something that she enjoys.What you can do:Keep talking to your child as you're doing things, and don't be afraid to slip into ‘motherese' or baby talk.5

if you're enjoying a cuppa and gossip with your friends. Sorry! BE REALISTIC Your toddler's just started learning what's expected of him and you're both bound to make mistakes along the way. KEEP IT SIMPLE Make it clear what you want him to do

Once your baby is on the move and starting to talk, interesting clues will begin to emerge as to her future personality. It's also around this time that she'll start showing a preference for using her right or left hand.If she's left

the connection between spoken language and written words, which will be a vital part of learning to read later in life. Ask Prima BabyHe’s started hitting‘My son Henry is 17 months and has started hitting us. Sometimes it’s a pat on the chest when he’s excited

, University of London, who led the research.'For a very young child, that's simply talking and responding to her. Then when she starts to make words, add to those words, so if she  says 'teddy', you say, 'yes, look at teddy.''Read to her. Play with shapes like

Domonie Moody, 31, form Poole, Dorset is mum to Summer, 3, and Bethany, 6.‘Summer started nursery towards the end of term. There were no tears at all for the first few days. Then it was as if she suddenly thought "I've tried this now - no thanks