Tip of the day

Encourage independence from an early age - your children's teachers will thank you for it. cupofteaplease

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Quote of the week

edam boggles at the news that Gina Ford is to create a Contented Politician blog to help parents decide which party to vote for: "Oh, bless her egocentric lack of self-awareness. I'm starting to think she is actually a comedy creation but can't decide if it's Chris Morris... or Sacha Baron Cohen."

Recipe of the week

Avs1's pasta with creamy green sauce: fox veg-hating toddlers (or teens) and cunningly whizz a nice wodge of peas and leeks in this super-quick cheese sauce. Pour over penne and bask in a good-parent glow.

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