Unable to cope when her child went into meltdown, Janey Downshire decided that a radically different approach to parenting was called for.

Should I be weaning my eight-year-old daughter off Bratz and other pop starstyle dress-up dolls? How can I teach her that make-up and tattoos are not childrenswear when her beloved dolls sport them both (and not to mention her heroine Cheryl Cole)!

My daughter came home from summer camp and announced she is a vegan. How do I keep her healthy? She is 14, and willing to learn to eat well. Charlotte, Edinburgh Sian Porter says: Your daughter is still growing and at a crucial age for bone development so your challenge is to provide a balanced [...]

All boys like to jostle about a bit, but when does play fighting become too much? My six year old son always seems to be on the receiving end of playground scuffles. And should I mention to other parents when blazers are coming home torn and ties go missing – or am I overreacting? Sue, [...]

My 15-year-old son refuses to do any extra-curricular activities other than sport. While his talents for cricket and football are obvious, surely he needs to have lots of interests on his CV? Or should I help to keep him focused? Paul, Brighton Roger Love says: Don’t underestimate the power of fitness and the value future [...]

My son doesn’t sleep well; he is seven and still comes into our bedroom almost nightly, suffers night terrors, and occasionally bed wets. He is to go away to school next year – and seems keen. But how will he handle night times? Will he be teased, and are schools set up to help? Eleanor, [...]

I am concerned that my 11-year-old daughter has Asperger’s syndrome. She is physically awkward, has trouble making friends, and is quite cold even with me – she has banned goodnight kisses. Her academic work is excellent and she is polite and helpful. Am I confusing the onset of puberty with a medical condition? And in [...]

My daughter is in the throes of first love. She is 13 and physically mature, but emotionally very young. Her would-be suitor is nearly 16 and in his GCSE year. He is a nice boy, but I can’t help thinking she is too young to be ‘dating’. I have allowed them to go out (setting strict boundaries) because I worry that if I stop her, they’ll meet in secret and the relationship will intensify. How can I keep things cool without being heavy handed?