Today is Mother's Day in the UK and Ireland and although Mother's Day is celebrated in most countries around the world, different countries celebrate it on different days of the year.  Indeed a Mother's Day falls in some country during nearly every month of the year.  One universal feature is that the celebration is Mother's Day rather than Mothers' Day - the distinction being that we are celebrating the achievements of our own individual mother, rather than of all mothers collectively.

The ancient Greeks and Romans celebrated festivals to Mother's and such a celebration features in most religions too.  In the UK and Ireland, Mother's Day falls on the Fourth Sunday in Lent, suggesting that its origins lie with the Catholic Church celebrations of the Virgin Mary.

In the USA, Anna Jarvis began a campaign to establish Mother's Day which was eventually recognised as a national holiday in 1914, falling on the second Sunday in May.  However the holiday was quickly commercialised and Jarvis quickly came to regret what had become of it, spending the rest of her life campaigning against the commercialisation of the festival.  Today Mother's Day is worth over $4bn to the US economy!

Whatever your feelings on whether it's an important celebration or all commercial hype, no one can deny that Mothers deserve to have their achievements celebrated, so take some time to reflect on your own mother, and let's be grateful for all they have done for us!

If you live in England or Wales, you have access to fantastic medical resources in NHS Direct and NHS Direct Wales - particularly useful for families with new babies and are uncertain as to whether a cough, splutter or wheeze is normal or the sign of an important medical condition!

NHS Direct was announced in 1997, and rolled out between 1998 and 2000, giving faster access to direct medical advice.  Most enquiries are made by telephone (0845 4647), calls are switched to dedicatedcall centres staffed by trained medical staff.  They will ask questions relating to the symptoms, and then advise on what action you should take.  They will advise whether you should make an appointment with your doctor; if they perceive there to be a serious risk, they might advice you to seek urgent medical attention in a hospital or even to dial the emergency services.

The NHS Direct website contains a lot of valuable health advice and information, as well as a symptom checker to help you to diagnose your symptoms online.

Scotland is served by NHS 24 and Wales by NHS Direct Wales, Northern Ireland has its own NHS service but doesn't appear to offer a similar direct telephone service.

NHS Direct will give you immediate assistance and will funnel you to the correct service.  Given that most of us don't have medical training, it is reassuring to know that help in assessing any medical situation is just a phone call away.

It has been said that Grandparents are taking the lead when it comes to teaching our children traditional values and standards of behaviour.   Over half of those questioned said they learned good manners and values from their grandparents.  Many considered their grandparents to be like second parents, and said that they considered the parents to be confidants.

As the structure and dynamics of families change, it seems that grandparents are now playing an even greater role in children's lives.  Grandparents provide more and more childcare, support in financial or emotional ways and seem tp play an increasing role in the family life.

However, the role of grandparent changes as the children grow.  They may be carer in the beginning, baby sitter as they are older and friend and teacher as they grow up.  Here are a few ideas of the roles a grandparent can play.

Respected ancestor: grandparents are our link with the past.  They are the head of the family and living proof of the family's history.  They can talk about 'the old days', share stories of how life used to be and create a whole new world for little ones who love to listen to their grandparents (often embellished!) tales.

Friend: children feel happy to discuss things with grandparents who often appear more relaxed and permissive than parents.  Children seem more likely to discuss things freely with grandparents and even talk about injustices that they feel with their parents.

Hero: being older, wiser and having lived for so many years, children can see grandparents as their heroes, full of stories and experiences of days gone by.

Teacher of practical skills: they can teach how to polish shoes, how to skip, how to knit, how to do the washing-up.  Grandparents have so many skills and the time to teach them!  They therefore become a role model for children.  They can can be a mentor and guide children in a spiritual way.

Constant, reliable focus: in a world where divorce and separation is becoming more and more common, children look to grandparents as a constant in their life.  They provide a nurturing and reliable place to go and feel wanted and cared for in an unconditional way.

Teachers of social skills: teaching children how to behave in public, how to look after themselves and how to communicate with adults.

Playmate: the magic that a grandparent can bring to a little child's life is priceless!  The simplest of tasks become an adventure with a bit of inspiration and the fresh take on a situation that a grandparent can have.  Children adore the excitement that grandparents can create and the games they have together.

In short, the role of grandparent has many layers, and indeed changes over time.  Being a grandparent is what you make it and with a bit of time and thought it can be such a positive inspiration and a vital part of a child's life.

You don't need fancy toys or equipment in order to be a good grandparent, though.  You don't need lots of brilliant ideas and complicated activities lined up for a visit.  You just need some time, a little creative thinking and be willing to listen to what your grandchildren ask you for.  The most important thing a grandparent can offer is a friendly ear and someone to listen!

The biggest annual celebration of books and reading is coming soon - 4th March will see the 15th World Book Day event in England and Ireland, but the origins can actually be found in Spain!

On 23rd April 1616 one of Spain's most famous authors, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, died.  Better known simply as Cevantes, he wrote Don Quixote. On that same day in England, William Shakespeare, our most celebrated author also died.

But it's not just because of these two authors we celebrate 23rd April - it is also St George's Day which is very significant because in Spain on 23rd April it is customary for men to give roses to their lovers.  Since 1925 it has become the custom for the women to give their men in return, a book.  Many booksellers today still carry on the tradition is Spain, you'll often get a rose in your  new book if bought on this day.

It is for these reasons that UNESCO deemed this date most appropriate to celebrate books in all their glory.  Children especially are encouraged to take a book and read it!  Children all over the world will do so each year!

In the UK the date was revised in order for World Book day to fall in March when children are mid term at school rather than on school holidays.

Nowadays it's an important part of the calendar and schools and children celebrate it all over the country.  Some will wear costumes to school dressed as their favourite characters, others will dress in their pyjamas to stress the importance of the bedtime story.  Whatever you do, just don't forget to do something with a book on 4th March - and make it fun!

It's always alarming when your baby is unwell, especially if they are really tiny, but what signs should you look out for to determine whether calling the doctor is the right course of action?

Every baby is different and responds differently. For brand new parents it hard to know what is normal and what is not... here are some signs to look out for which might indicate you baby needs medical help. But remember, a baby's state can deteriorate quickly, so if you are concerned in any way, don't hang around, call for medical advice immediately if your baby or child...

• Is unresponsive: you know what they are normally like, so if they seem unresponsive to a favourite game or toy then they may be ill.
• Has a persistent high temperature: if they seem warm and the temperature won't reduce despite cooling them.
• Refuses feeds: if your baby is still feeding and refuses one feed and then refuses a second feed.
• Vomits: if they vomit up their feed twice in a row or the vomit seems discoloured in any way (ie is greenish or has blood in it).
• Has diarrhoea; if it is blood stained or persistent.
• Shows signs of lethargy: very tired all the time and weary.
• Has a rash: any kind of rash.
• Is irritable or restless: if they won't settle or relax or sleep.
• Has breathing difficulty: if they are struggling to breathe or are breathing in an unusual way.
• Is coughing: unusual or painful coughing
• Has a bulging fontanelle: if there is a bulge at the forehead.

You know your baby best.  If in doubt, call the doctor or NHS Direct!

Children deserve to experience going out to eat, if that is what you want for them. You have every right to take them into a restaurant and never feel embarrassed in doing so, as long as its a place that welcome's welcomes children.

However, going out to lunch or dinner may fill some parents with dread: how would their little ones behave in public? But, be bold, follow the few tips below and they may surprise you!

1. Take a few small toys to entertain while you wait. Don't necessarily buy new, perhaps find a few buried in a draw that you haven't seen for a while.
2. Go to a restaurant that has a child menu. Then you won't feel uncomfortable because if there's a child's menu, they welcome children and you have every right to be there!
3. Make sure the venue has all the facilities you need: baby change, etc.
4. Ask for what you need, don't hesitate, as the staff will be happy to help if it means a more smooth meal! Lots of napkins, teaspoons to eat with, a straw to drink with etc.
5. Order the children's meal to come first. They can start eating straight away even if your meal is not ready. In fact, order all your meals as quickly as you can so the wait for you all is not too long.
6. For little ones that may be super hungry, bring a couple of snacks or finger foods to keep them going. If you have none, ask the a little bread or raw vegetables while you wait.
7. Eat at the approximate time you'd normally eat so your routine is not too mixed up.
8. If you have a newborn, don't be shy about feeding at the table if you can do it discretely, or asking for bottles to be warmed.
9. If you book a table make sure you reserve a high chair if you need it a tell the restaurant you'll have little ones. They may reserve a larger area for you.
10. Have a practice at home: set up a restaurant and pretend one day at home!
11. Have a trial run. Go to a coffee shop and just have coffee and a muffin one morning. See how that goes.
12. Explain what you expect from your children if they are a bit older, and tell them what it will be like so they are more prepared.
13. Choose something from the menu that they will eat rather than be adventurous. You want them to eat, after all!
14. Start them young. Don't put off going out if you want to because you think your baby is too little.

Be bold!   Bon appetite!

When a new baby arrives so much of the focus is on Mum, but what about things Dad can do with baby!   The relationship with Daddy is very important too!  Here are a few ideas to get Dad involved and feel an important part of the family.

• Monkeying around - play peek-a-boo, blow raspberries, pull funny faces, make a teddy talk. Remember all your boy-ish larking around but this time take baby with you!
• Get informed - do a bit of research into babies, and have a good idea of what is required and what is going on.  It will be a great help to Mum and will make you feel an important part of those early days.
• Hunt for your favourite book - try to recall what you liked as a child. If you still have any old books in the attic then pull them out, dust them down and start reading them to your little one. If you can't find a particular title, pop to the library and see if it's there. Or, choose a new book you like the look of and make it a special book you read to your child together.
• Go for a walk - grab a sling and go for a walk together on your own. Mum will be happy for a bit of rest. Touch leaves, rest on a sunny park bench, sit on the grass and spend easy time together.
• Stand Up for Yourself! - don't let a mother or mother-in-law undermine you or your role as a Dad.  Stand up for yourself!
• Feeding friend - if mummy is breast feeding you can't really help to feed baby, but how about bringing a nice glass of juice or a snack to keep her going.  It will be appreciated!
• Snap! - take lots of photos. Time goes so quickly, snap whenever you can of everything to do with your baby - even feeding, or sleeping! You'll love seeing them again in years to come when bottles and cots have gone!
• Go shopping - buy a toy from you and give it to your baby as a gift. Let no one influence you - just choose your own toy and present it to your baby! Buy a new set of clothes too - why not!? Again,choose what you would like and not what you think might be right or acceptable!
• Don't Give Up - if you are not too good at nappies and baby seems to cry every time you hold her, don't give up!  Keep at it and you'll get to know each other better and you will get to know what baby likes!

Enjoy your new baby!

The use of the internet and computers in schools is becoming increasingly important for learning, research and having fun, but how can we ensure appropriate, and safe use of such a phenomenal resource? ICT is covered in the Early Years Foundation Stage Areas of Learning and Development, so it is recognised that little ones of reception or pre-school age should be introduced to the computer.

The first thing is to do is chat with your child about the internet and what it can be used for. Show them your emails, show them how to type keys and letters on screen.

Try a bit of 'art' with a drawing package, make it fun and simple.

Talk about the internet and what can be found there. Look up a favourite character together, or a local landmark you have been to or a map of your home area. Keep it simple and fun!

As they become more confident and begin to work independently, just be there to guide and help them practice their skills, learn about the keyboard and navigate the child-friendly sites that exist.

Place the computer somewhere central so you can keep an eye on how things are looking. Don't put computers in the bedroom if you can help it. Make it a family event when you do some online games or learning together as a family. Talk about what you are doing on line and make it easy for the children to flag up a problem if they encounter something.

The internet is a fabulous resource, but be aware of the potential dangers of allowing little children too much access.

During their first years, the costs associated with having a new baby in the house are visible, but there are wider and longer term financial commitments that should be considered.

When babies are new, it seems they need lots of equipment and expensive stuff around the house.  The cot, the car seat, the chair, clothes, nappies, shoes.  Something you may get as gifts, other things you may have to save for.  One building Society estimated that the average family spends £132 a week on children.  Over an 18 year period, that is a staggering £123,500!  It's practically a house!

One survey said that the value of a Mum was... wait for it... £32,800 a year!  If only someone would pay that for our services!

But, there are ways of reducing the cost of a baby - it just takes a bit of planning and careful thinking.

1. Borrow or swap toys so you only have to buy one lot and your friend buys something else to share every few weeks.
2. Find out what is worth getting - speak to parents and discover which toys their kids like best.
3. Check out nearly new sales and boot sales for second hand toys.  You may be surprised at some of the bargains on offer.
4. Look at own brand vests, baby grows, nappies and wipes etc.
5. Breastfeed rather than buy formula - no waste and its fabulously free!
6. Get family and friends to buy practical presents.
7. Draw up a list of what you need and try not veer from that list.
8. Make sure you get all the benefits, maternity pay and awards that you are entitled to.  Remember to register for child benefit, tax credits and  working tax credits.  A little research could make a real difference to what you are paid.
9. Claim your Child Trust Fund money and invest carefully.

We are all so conscious of dangers when we take children out: cars on the road, tripping on pavements, falling from a swing.  However there are 400 children admitted to hospital every WEEK with injuries following accidents in the home.  This is a staggering number - especially when this is just those under the age of five!

What we have to remember is that children and toddlers and babies are constantly growing and experimenting and exploring.  The way they learn is to watch and copy us.  So, we need only take a look through their eyes to see what they might see and then we'll realise how accidents - that are totally avoidable - can happen.  And, we'll see how easy it is to prevent those accidents taking place.

Tablets and pills - many toddlers can take off the child-resistant caps on bottles of pills. The child-resistant caps make it more difficult to open, but are not impenetrable for a child.  A simple adult painkiller could poison a child.  They see you take a few, and it helps your headache.  If they get hold of them, they take a few and it could be disastrous.  Toddlers may think they are sweets, that they taste nice, that Daddy has them so why shouldn't I, that they make them grow strong.  So, keep bottles of pills well out of reach. 

Lighters and matches - children can ignite lighters by accident and can cause a match to inflame by just playing with them  They don't realise the danger they could cause.  There are 6,000 house fires every year caused by children under ten!  When they look at a match or lighter, children see the flash of light, the spark, it's like magic.  Keep the matches and lighters out of reach.

Stairs - About 800 under fives are taken to hospital each WEEK having fallen down stairs.  They develop the climbing skills need to get up stairs very quickly... almost without you noticing they could suddenly be able to get up a few steps. It can be dreadfully dangerous if they fall down.  Kids think its fun to go up, it's a challenge and everyone else does it so why shouldn't I?  Well, if they do they might fall and hurt themselves, get a stair gate and remember to use it!

Knives and utensils in the kitchen - It's so easy to forget that little ones can one day reach kitchen surfaces.    Make sure all knives, and heavy utensils are well back just in case they reach up and something comes crashing down.

Hot Drinks - tea and coffee can scald and burn a baby's skin.  Don't put hot drinks on low tables or on unstable surfaces.  Tea and coffee is made with boiling water and stays hot for a long time.  If they they go to try your tea without you seeing, and pour it over themselves by accident - it could scar your child for life!

It's not all gloom and doom!  But being very aware of potential dangers is vital in order for you and your child to have a relaxed home!  If you make just a few changes to the way you do things and if you just keep one step ahead if you can... you'll be okay!

A few final tips:

1. Fit a smoke alarm and TEST it frequently.
2. Keep all medicines, cleaning fluids in a locked cupboard out of a child's reach.
3. Fit stair gates and safety guards round fires.
4. Keep hot drinks on tables that are out of reach.  Don't drink hot tea with your baby in your arms.
5. Keep saucepan handles, electric flexes etc well out of reach.

Research has found that people are more likely to wash their hands after going to the toilet, if they think that someone else is watching them - if no one is looking, they'll not bother!  The research was carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.  They set up sensors in toilets and were able to study the behaviour of 250,000 people.  They found that less than one third of men washed with hands with soap but nearly two thirds of women did.

Why bother washing your hands? As you go through the day touching surfaces and objects, germs accumulate on your hands.  You can infect yourself by touching your own eyes, nose or mouth.  Washing your hands with soap can minimise the spread of bacteria.

When to wash your hands:

1. Before preparing food.
2. Before eating.
3. Before and after treating wounds or giving medicine. A
4. After using the toilet.
5. After changing a baby's diaper/nappy.
6. After touching animals.
7. After emptying the rubbish or touching  something that could be contaminated like muddy shoes.
8. PLUS, wash them whenever they look dirty!

Here are the steps required to give them a thorough wash and reduce risk of infection from bacteria:-

1. Wet hands with running water.
2. Apply anti-bacterial  liquid soap.
3. Lather and rub hands for 15 seconds.
4. Rinse and dry well.

Encourage little ones to wash frequently too.  Show them what to do and lead by example by always washing your hands too!  It will become second nature and you could be doing them a huge favour when it comes to avoiding contagious illnesses!

A spokesperson for the UN has said that the earthquake in Haiti is like no other disaster in history; as we watch scenes on television and see the devastation unfold, how much do our children need to know about such human tragedy, if anything?

Disasters such as this can leave children feeling confused and scared if they see things they don't understand or don't like.  They may not know what an earthquake is, but they can still be very perceptive and have vivid imaginations.

On the one hand you want to be honest with them and tell them the truth.  On the other hand, we want to protect them from such awful events.  Young children at nursery or preschool may not hear about the news from you - they may hear about it from school.  So even if you are thinking of protecting them by not telling them, have a think about how you would answer questions if they arose.

Toddlers really won't understand the words or images they see.  Try to avoid them seeing the news with you in case they see the anguish of people and are effected by the images of devastation.  Preschool children may react by asking lots of questions.  If they are uncomfortable with what they have heard or seen, they may regress a little: thumb-sucking, being sulky, or reacting to the dark or 'monsters'.

Tips for dealing with questions:

1. Try to discuss any questions in an honest way, but gauge how much information your little one needs to know.
2. Keep an eye on their behaviour and watch for any signs of disturbed behaviour in case it has effected your child deeply.
3. Give your child the chance to ask questions.  Don't ignore them or they may go off and ask someone else who may not be so sensitive when answering.
4. Answer any questions pitched at your child's level of understanding, but try not to dwell too much on it - move on.
5. Avoid looking at too many images on television especially graphic ones.  Keep TV viewing to a minimum.
6. Share some of your thoughts or reactions with your child.
7. Look at the positive things too: the heroes who have gone to help, the lucky people who are being rescued, the help being offered all round the world.

You may wish to donate some money to the disaster fund and your child could be involved in this.  Get them to pick some money and put it in a collection box or envelope.  They may wish to write a letter or draw a picture to send to the children in Haiti.  This will encourage them to feel that they have helped in a little way.

For some, grandparents are a vital form of childcare, but do they provide the right kind of environment for our babies and toddlers, and,should they be paid?

There  are many advantages to using grandparents:

• They love your child as much as you do so want to do a good job
• Your baby or child will get to know the grandparent even better and develop a strong bond because they will be spending time alone with them... something both the grandparent and child will cherish
• A grandparent has already had children so knows from experience
• They may live close by so its will be an easy drop off
• They may be more flexible about hours and whether to have the child if a bit poorly
• The child will settle more quickly because they know the carer
• They may be more easygoing if you are delayed or be prepared to drop off/collect from nursery/school
• They may be happy to have your child's friends round to play
• It may be cheap or even free childcare!

However, there are some disadvantages too:-

• The grandparent did their child care many years ago so may do things differently to you or may have forgotten a lot!
• They may be too old and find it physically too demanding but may not admit it
• They may have appointments or commitments already
• Their attitudes may need updating about what's allowed in terms of potty training and naps
• You may need to transport equipment and toys each time or buy two sets: high chairs, travel cot and buggy etc.
• Their home may be unsafe and have lots of potential dangers., and will not be OFSTED registered and checked
• They may not take the child out as much as a professional organisation and therefore your child may not meet children and socialise

You may wish to formalise an agreement for the care provided to your child and make clear details such as time off and holidays etc.  You may even agree to pay a fee for the care.  There are organisations dedicated to advising on this area such as The Grandparents' Association or Grandparents Plus.

Are grandparents being overlooked in what is perhaps a vital form of childcare fore babies, toddlers and young children? Responding to a report published by Grandparents Plus calling for direct payments for Grandparents providing childcare for their grandchildren, Daycare Trust joint Chief Executive Alison Garnham said: "Grandparents should be recognised for the role they play providing invaluable childcare, but introducing direct payments would require a process involving registration, auditing and inspection, and I don't think anyone wants to see Government inspectors in their living room scrutinising their family life. "If there is money available for childcare then it should be spent on meeting the Government's pledge to increase the free childcare entitlement to 15 hours per week for 3 and 4 year olds and extend the entitlement to all 2 year olds".

If you think its right  for you you should consider:

• Is the grandparents fit enough and in good health to run around after children?
• Do they have first-aid knowledge or qualification
• Is the house safe?
• Does it fit in with existing commitments?

If the answer is yes, to all these questions, lucky you!

Children are a source of wonder - they constantly surprise!  Your first child amazes you at every turn, you don't know what to expect, but suddenly you have this bundle that's doing the most amazing things!  You never cease to be astounded at the achievements that you're baby manages, the things he or she does, and the things they do and later say!

Just when you think you have seen it all, your second child arrives.  Well, you know now, you've been a parent for a bit and you know what to expect.  ...but that's the weird thing!  Baby number 2 doesn't do things in exactly the same way as their older sibling!  That's odd - it's almost as if your second baby has a mind of their own!  Well, you know what?!  They do!  You might expect your second child to behave identically to how your first did, but you're in for a surprise...a whole lot of surprises!  You'll constantly be amazed at how this one grows up differently, unique in their own way!

Well, your third and subsequent children can't surprise you any more!  You're wise now, you know they're going to be different, and you know they'll surprise and amaze you in a whole lot of new ways that you weren't expecting!

This is just the first of many wonders of having a family!  There's so much more that you'll experience along the way...

Social networking sites have been all the rage for a few years, but don't compromise the safety or privacy of your children by posting photos for the world to see.  Social Networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook, and photo and video sharing sites like Bebo and Flickr offer a great way to keep family and friends informed of how your little ones are growing.

Make sure that you understand the privacy settings for each site you use so that you don't inadvertently share your pictures with the whole world.  If you have your privacy set to share your information with the groups or networks that you join, you may be sharing information with thousands of people you don't know.  Be careful not to upload photographs that might identify where you live or compromise the security of your home, perhaps by displaying the goods in your home,  giving clues to the layout of your house or even accidentally advertising when the house is empty by including your calendar in the background of your photos!

Also beware of people you 'meet' through social networking sites.  It is easy for people to masquerade and hide their true identity.  Exercise caution with information that you exchange with people you have never met in real life.

The fun of social networking makes it easy to overlook aspects of safety, this is doubly important when your children are involved!