Bringing up junior

Every child has a unique talent they're born with but you can't always capture it in an exam. Try some of these simple, fun, brain-training exercises at home to help unleash your child's dormant talents.

  THE SMART KID 

Make math a game
Numbers on a board, fractions and percentages don't mean anything. Get a cake, cut it and actually show them what a quarter is. Or get small change out and put them into four piles.

Break the rules
Remember that film A Beautiful Mind where the great mathematician John Nash is writing on the windows and walls? He was taking ownership of the numbers – he wasn't frightened of them. Let your kids write on their bedroom window with a chinagraph pen you can rub out. Using a space that's different and fun will help them learn without even realising. Alternatively, stick paper to the wall and let them loose!

Have a thinking child's Birthday party
Teaching your child the value of money is crucial to future success. Say to them, 'I'm going to let you in on the budget for your party. This is how much a bouncy castle costs and this is how much we've got left for presents. Go round the supermarket and show them how much things are. They'll soon think, 'I don't need fancy plates, I can save this much'.

And...
Write it down. Write a diary or thank-you letter together (for spelling and writing skills). Get stuck into books. Reading a book at bedtime is one of the best gifts you can give your child.


  THE HEALTHY KID 

If your child has problems concentrating or is hyperactive, look at what they eat. A good diet can change behaviour.

Simple is best
Mum can think she needs to be making cordon bleu meals but egg on toast or cheese and tomato pasta are brilliant, well-balanced meals.

Take it or leave it
Put food on their plate and that's all they get. Don't give them options. Even if they just eat one pea, the rule is they try it. Use a sticker chart or invite a friend round. If the friend eats it, they might eat it, too.

Hungry or not?
If your child is constantly whingeing, "But I'm hungry, Mum!" check they're not thirsty. It can be hard for a child to distinguish between the two. Give them a glass of water before they eat.

And...
Every fruit and vegetable is good for you. All parents talk about broccoli but the humble carrot is good, too. You can hide vegetables in sauces. Balance sneaking with letting them know what they're eating.


  THE FIT KID 

With child obesity on the rise, it's important to make sure your youngsters eat well and keep fit.

Get out
Under the age of 13 children don't get lots of formal sport, so limit sedentary activities. If you turn off the TV and computer, your youngsters will be encouraged to do something else.

Make it 'you' time
If your child hates walking, make it a time when parent and child spend time focused on each other. Get out and about as a family.

Get help
Mend (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition - Do it!) is a programme designed to help obese children and their parents. It covers everything from portion sizes and additives to martial arts and cheerleading.

And...
Build exercise into your child's day. That way you don't even have to think about it. Walk to school rather than drive or get off the bus early. Be a role model. Include exercise in your own routine, so your kids learn it's a way of life.


  THE HAPPY KID 

Good family relationships are known to help your child's future success and happiness more than background, wealth or school.

Feel blue
Don't try to cajole kids into feeling happy when they're not. Acknowledge how they feel. Saying: You lost at football. I know you tried your best and I know you must feel awful, shows them it's OK to feel sad, anxious or angry.

Wash up
Having chores as a child is good for mental health in later life. An ordered child might enjoy putting the pots away while a nurturing child might prefer brushing the dog.

Spend more time doing nothing
An hour a day with your children probably isn't enough to build a solid, nurturing relationship. There's a myth about 'quality time'. The time you spend just being together can make a huge difference to their happiness.

And...
Make a love map. Write down 50 things from their favourite film to their best friend. Fill in the answers together. Sit in bed with your child and help them visualise a happy picture, because their last thought forms the basis of their dreams.