Help! My child refuses to eat his vegetables. What do i do? Sharon, Brunei

Hi Sharon! It is common for children to dodge the veggies off the plate. Firstly, do try and serve the vegetables in a fun way, like cut the vegetables in cute shapes or arrangements . Also try different recipes and encourage him to eat by showing him that you enjoy the vegetables yourself. Alternatively, if he still refuses his veggies, you could serve him more fruits instead.

We have a playground near my house but i seldom take my 3 year old son because he throws a tantrum when it's time to leave.It's embarassing! Qi

Hi Qi ! Tantrums are every parents nightmare , especially a full blown tantrum which involves screaming, lying on the ground and crying ( not to mention dirty stares from on lookers). I will discuss a 5 step approach to dealing with tantrums in another post. Today i will focus on the palyground issue. You need to stress to your child that when it's time to go, he has to go. Start making him aware by doing a countdown.You should keep him informed on how long time he has left, telling him he has 15 minutes left, then 10 minutes left ,then 5 minutes etc. Then explain to him that if he behaves well, you will reward him (eg take him to the park again the next day). Children like rules and regulations. And they love rewards. So make sure you danggle a carrot. Good luck :)

HELP! My 3 year old is potty trained, but when he's out, he sometimes wets himself. What do i do? Karen, Singapore

Hi Karen...Sometimes when a child is out, in all his excitement, he forgets he's not wearing a nappy and he /she might wet himself/herself. If your child looks like he needs to go to the toilet, don't ask if he wants to go.Instead say "Let's go to the potty/toilet". Be patient. It takes some kids anywhere between six months to a year to get the hang of it. Also remember to make hand washing a part of the routine.

To daycare or not to daycare?? That is the question. ....Allison, Bangsar

Hi Allison.....day care is becoming an attractive option for many working mothers and daycare centres boast many attractive learning options to facilitate the development of the child. However, a controversial study published in Child Development found that the more time children spent in centre based care before kindergarden, the more likely they were to report behavioural problems. Still they have been so many other studies showing benefits of daycare including social and intellectual stimulation. So it all depends on the type of daycare and the quality of service it offers. Do your homework before selecting the right centre :)

HELP !! I'm a new parent and i don't feel close to my baby..........from Susan, Keningau

Hi Susan.....Having a baby is a stressful time for any mother so don't be too hard on yourself. Don't berate yourself if you don't feel an overwhelming surge of love. Newborn babies are demanding and like all new mothers, an adjustment period is vital to bond with your baby. Spend some time alone with your newborn baby and get someone to help you out with the chores