Parenting and family news, picked by parents

I am not an 18-year-old, just out of high school. I’m 39 - middle-aged - and yet I still, deep down, believe that my mum is the person who can make everything better. More...

The things I tell my three old daughter, not intended to be used by others! (well, unless your child is as keen to believe you as mine) More...

From private words of wisdom to a moving speech, the father of the bride's role is not an easy one. Share your advice and anecdotes More...

From mother to daughter, the Dartington literary festival is evolving, says Tessa Boase. More...

Dear Kai, Today we sat by the marshes and talked about the wind. The sky was low and heavy and your blonde curls blew about your face like white light as you... More...

Parenting twins or multiples can be a tough job and Raising twins or other multiples bring with it special challenges and special joys. Here are a few parenting tips to help along the way. More...

Sometimes the summer holidays can seem quite long and lots of ideas for different activities are always a help. Here are the top 10 from KiddieBase. More...

A list of the decade's most unusual names, compiled after a trawl through the records since 2000, reveals a selection guaranteed to get youngsters noticed. More...

Easy discipline tricks that will end whining and battles with your toddler More...

It's easy to sit around waiting, hoping, wishing for a big event to happen; major moments we want to write about and record. But what about the hundreds of every day moments? The little things that can be just as magical? More...

The famous mom says kids should be allowed to wear whatever they want -- but is that really a good idea? More...

In this week's Scrubbing Up consultant psychiatrist Dr Alex Yellowlees warns that youngsters can rapidly become screen addicts. More...

Primary school has been such a huge part of her little life until now and the thought of it coming to an end is just so emotional. My little girl is growing up. Really growing up. And I am so amazing proud of her ... More...

He stops and bends down so that his eyes are level with mine. There is sadness in his eyes. Something is wrong, my Daddy looks different. More...

Ten things that the baby books wouldn't dare tell you ; ) More...

An easy-to-understand method for dealing with your anger when your kid makes you crazy. More...

How to say no in a language your kids will get More...

As we have children and have more in our life "to lose" the more fears we develop. More...

Learn to let things go. No mother will ever be perfect because no one is perfect. More...

Kids' joy is pure joy. Something we can all learn from. More...

a helpful (ish) guide to newborn babies More...

a helpful (ish) guide to toddlers More...

When you have that little bundle in your arms for the first time - you wish for time to stand still. Before you realise it though, a year has gone by and you try to remember what happened! Here are our top ten 'Firsts' for you to make a note of, and then put down into your diary or onto your calendar to ensure you document those precious first memories: More...

Do girls need a father figure in their lives? Do they need men at all? If so, why? More...

Little M, who blogs about our busy lives, recapes just how he managed to get out of his crib and scare the life out of me! More...

Little M explores issues within bilingual families when it comes to choosing names. More...

Does your baby cry all the time? For no reason? Been there, seen it, done it and have some tips that might help. More...

Not my most recent post but one that got a lot of laughs! Birth story. More...

I was recently asked to write about mother / daughter relationships. Being 8 months pregnant with my first child has had a profound affect on the way in which I think about my own mum and encouraged me to appreciate the times we've shared, and those we almost didn't... More...

After 26 years, the last of Marion McGilvary's children is leaving home – ah, peace and quiet, no mess – her own space at last. Job done. So why does she feel so sad? More...

Babies don't get fazed by failure - so why should we? A look at how child's play super-charges our creativity and helps new ideas thrive. More...

This is a lovely article all about activities to do with your baby. When your baby is a few months old and becoming more interactive, you may start to wonder what else you can do together. This doesn't necessarily require a trip to buy expensive things, but can be simple ways of enjoying your time together. Here are KiddieBase's top 10! More...

Natural Parenting in the Real World More...

My plans (or rather, lack of plans!) as the school holidays are upon us! More...

Have fun with your children making a seascape with bubble wrap More...

Ideas for teacher appreciation gifts, this is what we gave this year. More...

Katie Down took her four-year-old son with her when she met friends for a few drinks in a beer garden on a sunny afternoon… a few hours later she was arrested, locked up – and her son taken into care. More...

How to maintain a respectful relationship with your teen. We look at the difference between the parent and friend roles, and ask what your teen expects from you as a parent. More...

Do misbehaving children need punishment or positive discipline – and what’s the difference anyway? Learn how to encourage good behaviour by teaching your child the benefits of following your rules. More...

Why do children lie? We look at some of the different types of lies children tell, and the possible reasons behind them, with advice on what to do if your child lies, and why you shouldn’t take it personally. More...

What should you expect from your child’s behaviour at this age? We explore some of the reasons why children do what they do, and give you some tips on how best to encouraging good behaviour. More...

Find out how a can-do attitude, a little self-belief, and a willingness to get things wrong sometimes can set a good example and help your child to grow up with confidence. More...

Are you concerned that your rules may be too strict? We look at the importance of setting consistent boundaries while allowing your child some flexibility, so that they can develop important decision making skills. More...

Children will often push the boundaries you set for them, but how do you handle it when they push too far and become disruptive? We've got some tips on what you can do, including the places you can turn to for support, and how to identify the cause of the change in your child's behaviour, allowing you to talk to them and help get things back under control. More...

Are you able to choose your battles and resolve disagreements, or does arguing turn your home into a war zone? We offer a few tips on finding lasting resolution and helping to maintain a happy home environment, including when to discuss the issue and when to let it lie. More...

How do you feel when your teenager has a child of their own? Are you ready to be a grandparent? We hear the reactions of some young grandparents and look into the effects a new baby can have, including what might be expected of you, and how you can help your teen to focus on the future. More...

Why do teens run away from home? We look at some of the reasons, the signs to look out for, and what you can do if you’re worried your teen might run away. We also offer expert advice on what to do if they run away, and how to handle the situation when they come home. More...

How does your teen talk to you? Full sentences… grunts and moans… or total silence? Remembering what it was like to be their age, we look at what might be going on for them and why they communicate the way they do. Featuring advice on what you can do to make it easier for them to talk to you and let them have their say. More...

If you find yourself not liking your child, there may be a number of common reasons behind this. We look at why you might be feeling this way, and what you can do to start changing things. More...

Do you sometimes notice yourself acting like your parents, even if you said you never would? We look this perfectly normal phenomenon, and show you how recognising these moments can help you to make the best choices about your parenting style. More...

If your child is disabled, there is a range of support and services available. We look at some of the differing experiences of disabled children’s parents and ask how you can best support your child’s individual needs, as well as looking after yourself More...

Are you prepared for when your teenager leaves home? We share the thoughts of some parents and teens going through this transitional phase, and offer some help on how to stay positive about the move; featuring tips on staying in touch and making the change into a new type of parenting. More...

Speech, language and communication in children in general is facing a major decline... the super market experience shows an insight into why and its not good! More...

Life is richer, happier and healthier for 'empty-nesters', a survey of 2,000 parents has found More...

Do your children have imaginary frinds - Mini has a pet mole and half inside out people! More...

Whether you like the idea of pocket money or not, these days it's hard to say no! Getting your child to earn it may be a way of starting to teach them the value of money - and that it does not grow on trees :) Here are our top ten jobs for children to earn a little: More...

Just another classic TB moment. More...

Sons who have fond childhood memories of their fathers are more likely to be emotionally stable in the face of day-to-day stresses, a new study has found. More...

It’s official: gay is as gay does; lesbians make better parents than straight folk More...

Teenage smoking rates in England have dropped since the government banned the sale of cigarettes to under 18s, research suggests. More...

It's Wednesday, so it's wordless.. and very very cute ;-) More...

The Charity Commission rejects an appeal by a Roman Catholic charity to allow it to discriminate against gay people seeking to adopt. More...

Does guilt go hand in hand with being a parent..? Would love to know what you think too More...

Gardening with your children can be a great activity for all to enjoy and there is so much a child can learn from the wonders of your back garden. Whether it is helping you with the gardening or enjoying the garden itself there are lots to do and share. Here are our favourite gardening ideas: More...

The differences between boy and girl play More...

Lisa Moorish, who conceived their daughter Molly just weeks after Gallagher wed first wife Patsy Kensit, revealed he wanted nothing to do with the child. More...

Child Development Specialist Dr. Robyn Silverman Gives Advice for Overly Protective Parents Read more by Amanda Cochran on CBS News' Eye on Parenting. More...

Bad parenting does more to hold back poor children than poverty, Nick Clegg has said. More...

Panorama reporter Darragh MacIntyre investigates the case of a couple wrongly accused of hurting their child and their battle to be able to name witnesses in the family courts. More...

Can you believe the holidays will soon be over and another school year will be upon us? For some this will be music to your ears and you will be thankful that you have indeed survived the holidays! For others it will be back to early mornings and no longer like a weekend morning, every morning ;) Then there are those for whom this September will be their little one's first day of school - ever! More...

Parents developing nurturing skills on pilot course report big drop in behavioural problems among their children, says Bibi van der Zee More...

It’s probably fair to say that there are a lot of less than perfect fathers out there, but having been at the business myself for approaching a year now, there’s a part of me that sympathises. More...

Family games becoming 'lost art' as survey cites overwork, boredom and generation gap More...

There is something about the smell, about walking in to a Library and, bang you are hit by that musty, booky smell. The one that has stayed with you since childhood. More...

How to you get your kids to open up? There are times when you sense that something is bothering one of your children, but it can be difficult to get them talking. Here are a few ideas that may help. More...

Parental Burnout: Are you often exhausted as a parent? Do you regularly feel drained, overwhelmed and off-balance when it comes to raising your kids? Here are some tips to help. More...

Dr Charlie Taylor, a behaviour management expert and head teacher, advises a reader on how to react to teenage outbursts. More...

The special lifelong bond that children have with their mothers may have its roots in how our brains react when we see our mothers' faces, according to scientists. More...

A childcare expert has stated that cavemen and women were better parents that we are today. More...

Pauline Booth talks to David Harrison about the often unseen challenges of bringing up a child with Down’s syndrome – and her family’s joy when he won a place at the Special Olympics . More...

Are multitasking mamas neglecting our children? Or is it daddies that are better at paying attention? Perhaps we need a mix of both? What do you think? More...

Mums and Dads spend half of your childhood telling you not to fib, and the other half lying to you, says Bryony Gordon. More...

I tend to be pretty relaxed, but when a friend suggested that Little M should be speaking, and made it a point to say her daughter was babbling non-stop it really affected me. More...

Fiona Phillips had a high-profile job as a presenter on GMTV and two small children when her mother – and then her father – developed Alzheimer's disease. By Emine Saner More...

An exploration in to whether there is truth in the old saying, or whether words do in fact have an impact. More...

Do you have a favourite child.... More...

I guess you'll all have heard of the term terrible twos? More...

A new study reveals that it's not just women who get postnatal depression – men suffer as well. Three of them tell Joanna Moorhead how it feels More...

Spending quality time with little ones on a 1-2-1 basis is something I try and do as often as I can - having 3 small kids it can be hard to achieve despite having a relatively flexible job. Sometimes it can be even harder for parents who work a lot of hrs outside the home in terms of combining pressures of work, spending time with the family and looking after the home in general. Here are a few ideas for busy parents out there to take a little time out on a 1-2-1 basis with your little ones: More...

I am the lucky Mum of a fab 4yr old fella (Kieran) and am 27weeks pregnant with little fella 2! I thoroughly enjoyed the summer holidays with Kieran but was ever mindful of the fact that from 2nd Sept, he would be at “Big School”. He went off ever so well, not a backwards glance to his poor Mum, (traitor!) and I was very brave and didn’t cry (felt the lump form and jumped on the nearest Mum I didn’t know quite well enough to want to cry in front of, and walked home with her!)............ More...

To my Norbert, Firstly, I should apologise that you have been nicknamed Norbert. It really was no fault of mine, but a colleague at work saw a van on the motorway one day that said Norbert on the side. We started to call you that and it sort of stuck and sort of suited you..... More...

I have come to the realisation recently that I’m not the perfect mother, far from it, actually I’m rather crap at it sometimes. A while ago I write a post called 5 Reasons I’m Going to Hell, so I thought I list the 10 reasons I’m a crap mum.... More...

David Cameron spoke eloquently on his father's death. Poet John Burnside, who wrote a memoir of his own father, reflects on the myth and reality of family More...

In a bold experiment, Chris Wheal gave his teenage son complete control of his own monthly budget, from cricket kit to underwear. So did he save or splurge? More...

The moment I realised my little girl was growing up.... More...

Apparently 8 years old is almost grown up - I need some advice quickly.... More...

The 'tantrum' fairy has recently hit my house and I'm not liking. Not one tiny bit. I had my third tantrum from Oli at 4am this morning. It's the 3rd one we've experienced in the last couple of weeks... More...

Katie Crouch had a glamorous job in advertising and a moneyed lifestyle to go with it. Then the recession hit. At 30, she found herself broke, desperate and humiliated on her parents' doorstep, asking… More...

We decided back when I was pregnant that I would become a SAHM (stay at home mother) for the first year of Oli’s life. We accepted there and then that money may be a struggle for that year but it was something I was willing to give up to see all his firsts. Being at home and seeing him crawl across the room and then later on walk across the room was simply priceless. I knew I had made the right decision. More...

I’ve always been proud of my three year-old son, Isaac. From his first steps, to remembering to say “please” and “thank you”, to the paintings he proudly thrusts at me when I get in from work, pretty much everything he does warms my heart in the way only a son or daughter can. More...

The very best Halloween picture books, recommended by you. More...

When should you start teaching your baby to read? Great tips on how to raise a reader. More...

Parents-Parenting Advice-Parental Guidance-Free Parenting Tips More...

Take this survey about family matters and be in with a chance of winning £150 Amazon vouchers More...

This week, the dance mad daughter turned 14. I can't tell you what a seismic effect this is having on the lives of everyone in our family More...

The coalition's poverty adviser, Frank Field, will call for all children to be given parenting classes while Detroit authorities consider prison for parents who don't attend parent teacher conferences. More...

There's been some controversy about the mother who dressed her 5 year old son as a female character for a pre-school Halloween party over in America. The female character was Daphne from Scooby Doo. The mother has been branded a crazy loon for doing so and is now battling allegations of her son being gay. More...

The dreaded question! More...

I've been reading with fascination, this talk over whether strict Chinese mothers are actually the best kind of mothers because of the way they choose to bring up there children. Amy Chua sparked a online debate with her wall street journey essay on 'Why Chinese mothers are superior' which is a excerpt from her new book Battle Hymm of the Tiger Mother.... More...

TB's clearly been watching too much TV, but I don't quite think the ads have given him the right understanding of online dating. More...

I've been having this conversation with my 6 year old... He insists he is old enough to have his own blog... I am tempted to let him do it... if he follows some ground rules... what do you think??? More...

A letter to say something I've wanted to say for a long time... More...

another letter to my little one who will be here in 3 and 1/2 months. Half way there! :) More...

We are all very familiar with the kids 5 a day fruit and veg. Recently I was introduced to the kids 5 a day encouragement challenge. So, the concept is very simple. This week, I’ll be getting concious, of how much encouragement I give my children. Fancy joining me ? Take a look at the blog to Read more about the 5 a day encouragement challenge More...

A letter to my children for when they're all grown up More...

Santa is a big deal around here. Very big deal. More...

Kyaraben is the name given to this extreme lunchbox artistry, where rice balls, sushi, salad and fruit is shaped into cartoon characters or animals like pandas or monkeys. More...

A child with self-confidence does not hesitate to try new things, make friends and has stronger ties with you and others More...

A child with self-confidence does not hesitate to try new things, make friends and has stronger ties with you and others More...

Being a parent is hard. Being a parent of a 12-1/2-year-old girl is even harder. More...