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	Our new favourite mum blogger, Claire Curran Claire Curran, aka 20something mum, has two kids and an obsession with shoes that she can't wear.
	Being a mum and working – Make it work for you Being a mother and holding down a job is a daunting task. So how can you make sure that it works for you?
	How to find the right childcare setting for your child How do you choose the right childcare setting for your child? Finding a safe and stimulating environment for your child can be made easier if you know exactly what to look for.
	Top tips for flying with kids Flying with your kids might fill you with dread, but we have some great advice for making the journey as stress-free as possible.
	Chocolate and Finn from Glee: the guilty pleasures of our new FMB Liz Jarvis is a working mum who shares parenting tips, family holiday ideas and other useful titbits for parents at her LivingwithKids blog. Here she tells us about her crush on Finn from Glee and the new circle of friends she's found through blogging.
	Could you be a school governor? One parent's story Working away behind the scenes at your child’s school is a governing body, some of whom will be parents. It makes important decisions about school budget and policies, as well as keeping a check on the head teacher. For parents, it’s a fantastic way to make a real contribution to your school, and ensure that parents’ views are represented in significant decisions. We talk to a mum-of-two and school governor, who wished to remain anonymous, to find out about the plus points and pitfalls.
	Fun science activities at home During National Science and Engineering Week, schools will be running activities to show that science encompasses many fascinating, kid-friendly subjects, such as space, wildlife and computers. Science can not only lead to well-paid and exciting jobs (think doctor, sports technologist, space craft engineer), it also opens up children’s minds to new ideas and encourages a curiosity about the world around them. Here are some fun and interactive activities that you can do with your child to inspire their interest in science.
	Italy - the perfect family holiday destination Take the whole family to Italy this summer – and create some beautiful childhood memories for your kids to remember for years to come.
	How to appeal against a secondary school place decision National offer day has passed, and 540,000 children and their parents will now know whether they got a place in their preferred secondary school or not. It’s a day most parents approach with a mixture of hope and dread: particularly now that statistics show that competition for school places is fiercer than ever.
	Didn't get your first choice school? How to turn it around Most parents have a first preference for their child’s school with 83% getting their highest priority secondary school choice last year. However, figures also show that one in six children don’t get their first choice, a number that rises to one in three in London. How can you work with the school to make it a better place for your child to be?
	Green-fingered families unite for community garden Green-fingered parents in Bothwell, Scotland, have set up a community gardening project to engage youngsters in nature and growing their own produce. Jac Kent tells us how they made the project happen.
	How to develop your child's literacy skills at home A recent study by The Sutton Trust has shown the stark contrast between the reading abilities of children from poor backgrounds and those from wealthier families. It found that by the time poorer children start primary school, they are almost a year behind their better-off counterparts in vocabulary tests.
	Meet Sarah Winborn, our new FMB and Brit living in Berlin Our newest addition to the Favourite Mummy Blogger hall of fame is Sarah Winborn, who blogs about the highs and lows of life as a single working mum in Berlin.
	Engaging activities for autistic children Taking your autistic child out of their comfort zone might fill you with unease, but it could help them to enjoy new experiences and gently extend their boundaries.
	Help our schools to combat racism Primary schools across the country are doing their bit to tackle racial divides and promote community cohesion. It’s not a nationally co-ordinated effort, but some organisations and schools have long known that encouraging awareness and an appreciation of different faiths and cultures from a young age could be key to combating racism.
	Meet Little Mummy, our new FMB and entrepeneur Erica Douglas, a.k.a. Little Mummy, tells all about how blogging shaped her life, keeping nannies in cupboards, and becoming a student again.
	Time for another FMB! Introducing Sandy Calico Our latest favourite mummy blogger Sandy Calico lives with her husband Andy and two sons and writes about parenting and family life at her blog Baby Baby.
	How to keep your child safe online Happy Safer Internet Day! Ok, so it doesn’t have the same ring to it as, say, ‘Happy Birthday’ or even ‘Happy Mother’s Day’, but it does highlight an important message about internet safety. Our youngsters are growing up in a digital age, and with that comes access to a mine of information and innovative new ways of learning, but also some sinister dangers. Here are some practical tips for introducing internet safety at home:
	The FMB spot is back with Emily Vest Our new FMB and PhD student Emily Vest on parenting, politics and life as a Brit in Bosnia.
	MyChild's Story competition - the winners are announced! We had some incredible entries for our storytelling competition to mark National Storytelling Week, and it's been a tough job but we've chosen the winning stories.
	Too much too young? Last week a survey by the charity Children’s Society showed that children are most unhappy with their appearance, above confidence, school and family life. Could this be a result of pressure in the media to look older, skinnier and prettier? MyChild takes a look into the over-sexualisation of young girls.
	Michael Gove answers your questions We recently asked you to pose your questions about education to Michael Gove, Shadow Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families. Here's what he had to say.
	SEN support in schools - What's the real story? A recent government inquiry showed that parents of children with special educational needs feel let down by the educational system.
	How to talk to your kids about sex The Government has announced that from 2011 a basic form of sex education in primary schools will be a statutory part of the curriculum. How do we talk to our kids about the birds and the bees?
	Supporting your children through a family break-up The proposed Government support for families going through separation and divorce is much-needed, and helping children through this difficult, emotional time is vital. MyChild talks to parents and experts about ways of coping and supporting your child through a family break-up.
	Butcher, baker, body part maker – the jobs of the future revealed Commissioned by the Science: [So what? So everything] campaign, expert future researchers from Fast Future analysed future trends, such as population growth and climate change, alongside developments in science and technology, to create a list of 20 potential jobs of the future.
	Celebrate National Storytelling Week Storytelling is the oldest form of oral art, one that has really stood the test of time.To celebrate this very special ancient tradition, the Society for Storytelling is running National Storytelling Week from 1 February, which every year involves fun storytelling events for kids across the country.
	Family walks to beat the winter blues Favourite family walks bring laughs, fun and memories to share. What could be better than exploring new journeys in the fresh air with your children unearthing new sights and experiences along the way?
	How to create a good homework/life balance School and homework can take up a large portion of every school day. In addition, more hours are dedicated to extra-curricular classes taken in the afternoons and at weekends with topics as varied as languages to art, sport and music. As much as many children love learning, they need down time too. How do you strike a balance?
	Raising bilingual children Being able to speak two languages has numerous educational, social and economic benefits, particularly in an increasingly globalised world. For many parents of different cultures, it provides their child with a link to their family heritage.
	How much responsibilty should children have for chores? Few of us expect a child to complete a full school day, do their homework and do an endless list of chores. However, many MyChild readers agree that encouraging their children to complete a few simple tasks around the home is beneficial for the whole household and helps children grain crucial skills that will take them through life.
	Life before school - how early should education start? Should a child be able to write their name and do basic maths before they start school? One mother debates when formal education should start. By Emily Organ.
	MyChild and Kodak's dad of the year has the holiday of a lifetime MyChild and Kodak's Dad of the Year recently returned from his winning trip with his son Sam and tells us about what a great time they had.
	The lazy mum's guide to baking There may not be a Fifties housewife inside you trying to get out, but no-one can deny that there’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked goods wafting out of the oven, inviting your family and friends to sniff the air like spellbound Bisto kids.
	Introducing our new LBD, it's Dan Hughes! LBD? That's Loving (this) Blogging Dad to the uninitiated. Dan Hughes is our first, and he tells us about how he combines being a mental health nurse with parenting, blogging and making a change.
	The Young Vic brings 'The Forest' to life ‘The Forest’ at the Young Vic is a multi-sensory show that takes learning outside of the classroom to explore the feelings, sights and sounds of being in a forest when you are young.
	Top tips for family cruises Forget the notion that cruising is for an older generation. You can find amazing sights by day and fun-packed activities by night with a family-friendly cruise. Travel writer Linda Jones offers her top tips on how to make the most of setting sail with the kids.
	Our brand new FMB, Emily Organ Our mummy blogger of choice this week is Emily Organ, mum of two (soon to be three) and prolific poster on everything about life with Podge, Fington, and bump.
	Educational toys – worth the money? Do 'educational toys' really enhance your child's learning? MyChild looks at how your child learns through everyday experience, not bleeping gadgets.
	Where's Santa? Places to see Father Christmas this year Where can you see Santa this year? MyChild has teamed up with Let’s Go with the Children to bring you a selection of places to see him and have a word in his shell-like about what’s on your child’s Christmas list this year.
	Fresh from the mummy blogosphere - it's Rosie Scribble Our new found favourite mummy blogger is Rosie Scribble, mum to six year old IJ.
	Low sugar lunchbox ideas The food in a child's lunchbox can contain as much sugar as ten doughnuts, alarming new research from consumer watchdog Which? found this week. Registered Nutritionist Carina Norris suggests some healthy lunchbox alternatives.
	Our box-fresh FMB - Linda Jones Mummy blogger Linda Jones spills the beans on blubbing at parents' evenings, free holidays and explaining the class system to an 11 year old.
	'The Bear of My Dreams' story competition winning entries! We teamed up with Build-a-Bear Workshop and Pudsey Bear and asked you to send in your stories and poems about 'The Bear of My Dreams'. All the entries were wonderful, but we had to choose eight winners, and here are their inspiring entries.
	Taming temper tantrums at any age Tantrums are a part of everyday life for children and their parents, and it’s not just toddlers who are guilty of losing it from time to time. MyChild looks at ways to deal with the drama of tantrums.
	Teach your kids the value of money Saving was second nature to our grandparents’ generation, and teaching our children how to save is a valuable lesson for them. These tips will teach your child how to appreciate their money, while improving their maths skills.
	Could your child have neuro developmental delay? Neuro developmental delay could explain why your child is having problems with their development. NDD expert Sue Cook of www.helpingadhd.com explains what NDD means for your child.
	Our shiny new FMB - Lynda Hamilton Lynda Hamilton is a mum and magazine journalist by day and a prolific blogger by night. She tells MyChild about burning the midnight blogging oil and the worries of being a mum to two girls.
	ADHD and siblings Children with ADHD can make family life challenging, and it can be hard for siblings. Home can feel like a never-ending war zone when one of them is a child with ADHD.
	How to spot if you have a gifted child Psychologist professor Joan Freeman, who has worked with gifted and talented children for 35 years, explains how to spot if your child is gifted and what to do to nurture their development.
	Boost your child's learning – MyChild’s tips for a good night’s sleep According to health campaigners, children need lessons in getting good night’s sleep to help them perform better at school. Our sleep tips will help your child to love the land of nod and stay alert at school.
	Expert swine flu advice for parents Swine flu is an infectious disease caused by a type of influenza virus and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Humans pass it to each other in the same way as winter flu – mainly through coughing and sneezing. Here’s how to reduce your chances of getting swine flu, and advice on how to deal with the virus if you do get it.
	Bedwetting advice from Dr Janine Spencer Huggies’ bedwetting advice expert Dr Janine Spencer answers your bedwetting questions to mark the launch of new parenting tool and online community bedwettingbuddy.com. Find out how to deal with this distressing problem.
	The third instalment in our bedwetting series with Dr Janine Huggies’ bedwetting expert Dr Janine Spencer answers your bedwetting questions to mark the launch of new parenting tool and online community bedwettingbuddy.com. Dr Janine has some expert tips and techniques for solving bedwetting problems.
	Homework coaching - a guide for busy parents on getting it right How do you provide the calm and reassuring guidance that your children need when getting to the end of the week in one piece is a minor miracle? Mandy Garner of Workingmums.co.uk gives you some tips on how to get away with being a good homework mentor on a time budget.
	MyChild's Shout - Our pick of the Celeb Mum of the Year shortlist The Celebrity Mum of the Year shortlist is here - MyChild picks our Top 5 favourite mums and explains what makes them so special.
	The second in our bedwetting advice series with Dr Janine Every day this week Huggies’ bedwetting expert Dr Janine Spencer will be answering your bedwetting questions to mark the launch of new parenting tool and online community bedwettingbuddy.com. Read on for advice on making night time a dry and peaceful time.
	Huggies' Dr Janine answers your bedwetting questions In the first of our series of bedwetting questions posed by you, Huggies’ bedwetting expert Dr Janine Spencer talks about the best solutions to two parents’ childrens’ bedwetting problems.
	Top family friendly energy saving tips To welcome in Energy Saving Week (19th to the 25th of October) we have compiled some “Top Tips for Family Friendly Energy Saving”.
	Our new favourite mummy blogger, Colourful Words' Natalie Green Our latest addition to the venerated MyChild FMBs Hall of Fame is writer Natalie Green. She tells us about finding her way through parenting young children; sharing her experiences through blogging, and finding the time to be something other than mum.
	Badman's home education study - a home-schooler's response Home educator Pauline Adams shares her impassioned response to Graham Badman's damning study into home education.
	Wholesome family food on a budget Cooking wholesome family food on a budget is not as hard as you think. Chef Caitlin Finch ( author of ‘Healthy first foods for your baby' and 'Healthy first foods for your toddler') shares her top tips.
	How to manage your child's television time How much television do you let your child watch? Do you feel that watching television offers benefits for your child? We take a look at how television in moderation can be used to support your child's learning.
	Our new favourite mummy blogger - Amanda Morison Chaotically happy mummy blogger Amanda Morison has three boisterous boys, a career as a writer and editor, and a flourishing blog. MyChild caught up with Amanda to chat about life, lively boys, and blogging.
	In praise of praise - a grandparent's view Praising our children is as natural as breathing, but now we're told we should be keeping our words of encouragement to ourselves. Granny Frances Scott offers her views on overpraising kids.
	The role of music in learning Music is an effective multi-sensory tool to support and enhance learning. MyChild looks at how music and learning work together in perfect harmony.
	Inspirational head teachers turn schools around The measures introduced by forward-thinking head teachers at poorly performing schools will remind many that common sense and a return to core values help many distressed, aggressive or fearful kids to find their way when their home life may be challenging and hard to cope with.
	School trips - what to expect MyChild looks at how and why school trips are organised and gives advice on how you can prepare your child to make the most of this exciting and educationally enriching experience.
	Fashionista and mum Jane Kellock, our new FMB Former fashion designer Jane Kellock works as a teacher, writer and fashion forecaster, and combines the glamour of the industry with being a mum and blogger.
	The chaotic mum's guide to life If you're the sort of mum who prefers drip-dry to ironing, runs out of lunch box ingredients by Wednesday, and has a duster gathering dust in the cupboard, read on...
	Dealing with childhood diabetes When your child is diagnosed with diabetes it can be an overwhelming experience for you and your child. How do you support your child with diabetes?
	Taking time to talk Kids' coach Naomi Richards shares her advice for keeping the lines of communication open with your children.
	Michael Morpurgo on writing and inspiring a lifelong love of literature Michael Morpurgo answers your questions about writing, reading, and nurturing children's literacy skills.
	How to use aromatherapy for relaxed homework time Achieving a state of relaxed concentration is key to making homework a stress-free experience.
	Top tips for helping your child with homework Helping your child with homework may bring you out in a cold sweat - but parent coach Sue Atkins has some indispensable tips for making homework a positive experience for all of you.
	Our Favourite Mummy Blogger - Mum on the Run Mandy Garner Web editor, journalist, mum of three and prolific blogger Mandy Garner shares her views on parenting and keeping all those juggling balls in the air.
	Exclusive interview with Britain's Got Talent finalists, Flawless Britain's Got Talent finalists Flawless talk about their inspirations, growing up with a love of dancing, and how to unleash your inner performer, in our exclusive interview.
	The importance of making time to read with your child Reading is probably the most important skill that your child will learn. It opens up a whole new world of learning and imagination, and your help is essential.
	Help - my child doesn't want to go to school anymore One day your child is happy and settled at school, the next they are withdrawn or crying because they don't want to go to school anymore.
	Choosing a secondary school It's that time of year when Year 6 parents must choose their child's secondary school.
	My Child's favourite Mummy Blogs - Yummy Mummy Sian To Sian To is a mum of four, PR queen and avid blogger. As we crown her our new FMB, we wonder “How does she fit it all in?”
	How does dyslexia impact on a child's learning? Dyslexic children have difficulty with a number of aspects of learning, which can cause low self-confidence.
	Mind mapping and technology boost dyslexic children's learning Mind mapping is a tried and tested learning tool which helps children to organise ideas and formulate, plan, and develop concepts.
	The reasons why, it's important to rhyme It is never too early, nor too late, to start supporting your child on their reading journey. Booktrust’s Director of Bookgifting, Rosemary Clarke, writes about the wonderful world of rhymes and why they help your child to develop many skills for life.
	And the winner is... The winner of the Kodak Challenge Father of the Year 2009 competition is....
	My Child's favourite mummy blogs - Millennium Housewife Meet Millennium Housewife Jenny Critchlow, mum to Madeleine, five, and Jake, two. Jenny shares her take on life and being a pretty bad parent (Shocked and appalled? Read on...)
	How to settle your child into school When your child can't drag himself out of bed, and has to be taken kicking and screaming out of the house, you know it's back to school time.
	Heads up on head lice Going back to school inevitably means that your child is at risk of catching head lice. 1 in 8 primary school children have head lice at any one time yet many parents are badly informed about this common pest.
	Book extract - How to do the school run The daily school run is a multi-tasking challenge. Author Tanith Carey shares her tips for making it as painless as possible.
	My Child's favourite mum blogs - Being a Mummy Mum blog: When museum curator Claire Walsh had children, she left behind the ancient world of archaeology and digging for fascinating finds to take a break and blog about her daily experiences of life with two children. Claire tells us all about her tennis-mad toddler, how to trick your kids into tidying up, and the rewards of blogging.
	Father of the year 2009 Our search for the father of the year 2009 is almost complete. We have been inundated with entries and have finally whittled our shortlist down to 8 entries.
	How to help your child to prepare for starting school My Child’s Amy Schofield looks at ways to prepare your child for school life.
	Healthy lunchbox ideas for kids According to new research, kids' lunchboxes are unhealthier than ever, despite government guidelines banning sugary, salty and fatty snacks and drinks from the nation's school dinner tables. It's hard to tempt your children to eat healthily, and finding foods that they enjoy that are also good for them is a daily trial.
	Immunity boosting foods The top 5 immune system boosting foods for children.
	Back to School tips Going back to school brings on a mix of emotions. While children may feel excited at seeing their friends again, they may also be worried about what’s in store, especially if they are making the transition to “big school”, or facing important exams. These useful tips will help your child and you to prepare for going back to school – whether they’re moving up from nursery, going up a year, or going from primary to secondary school.
	Numberjacks first feature-length DVD - Seaside Adventure CBeebies favourites the Numberjacks are back with this extra special feature length DVD.
	Kodak Dad of the Year competition finalists! Read the finalists' entries in the My Child and Kodak Dad of the Year competition!
	Six reasons why summer learning is important The school gates may have closed for the summer, but that’s no reason to allow your child’s mind to follow suit. We have six top tips on summer learning for kids.
	My Child favourite mum blogspots - Expat Mum When it comes to hilarious commentary on daily life this mum's blogspot should be top on your reading list. We chat to Expat Mum about family life on the other side of the pond.
	Summer survival for parents! The summer for parents isn't always filled with endless fun and games. It can be a difficult time to juggle work, life, and kids. To help you do just that, we have some expert advice.