26. KEEP DIRT OUT

Teach your child to come inside and stand on the newspaper you've put down or better still take his own shoes off thus keeping the dirt away from your carpets and furniture.

27. OLD PRAM MATTRESSES

PVC covered mattresses can be used as changing mats or they can be covered with material and used as garden kneelers.

28. FAMILY STORY

Why not make a small book for you child about Mummy, Daddy, brothers, sisters etc, enclose family photos.

29. LONGER WELLIES

If you buy childrens' Wellingtons a size too large then put some cotton wool in the toe as the foot grows remove the cotton wool, the boots then last longer.

30. OLD PADDLING POOL

Use an old punctured paddling pool to place under babys high chair and catch all the dropped food.

31. LOST PUZZLES

Jigsaw puzzles often get lost and boxes broken. Put the pieces into a solid plastic container (Which Childrens little fingers can't break) and stick the puzzle picture on the front of the container

32. BUGGY AND BUS

If you struggle with the bus along with your shopping / child / buggy invest in a large sports holdall, they will fit most of your shopping and will often fit over your shoulder.

33. CHILDRENS CASSETTE

A child will soon outgrow a childrens CD player, a cheap adult version is much the same price and more robust (and just like Mum and Dads).

34. PRAM LIGHTS

Mount a bicycle light on your pram should you have to go out after dark.

35. CHILDS BIRTHDAY PARTY

Next time you hold a party for children indoors you may be grateful if you cover your lounge suite with old sheets, and let the children have picnic tea on the floor (sitting on an old table cloth).

36. PASS THE PARCEL

Place a sweet between each wrapping so that every child gets a small something, alternatively small toys, crayons or rubbers can be used.

37. FUSSY EATERS

Serve childrens food on their tea set and you will find they eat their food more readily, a childs' tea cup is an ideal first cup for many children.

38. EASY LACES

Small children often find laces difficult - why not use athletes ties which most 2 year olds will manage easily.

39. SCHOOL BLAZER VALUE

When outgrown carefully take off the Motif, and then neatly sew onto a plain Blazer, which will probably be much cheaper.

40. KIDS JELLY MOULD

Use the plastic dividers from toy cartons as exciting jelly moulds for the children.

41. POORLY CHILD

Its sometimes easier to get your child to sleep in a sleeping bag if they are likely to be sick as it is easier to wash this than change the whole bed.

42. CLEAN BABY

Why not use a painting apron at meal times to cover baby. fold or cut the arms so that they are not too long.

43. BALLOON FUN

Pop a couple of raisins or Smarties inside a balloon before blowing up for added excitement.

44. LUNCH BOX

For fun write a message and pop inside to brighten someone s day.

45. COLOUR TESTER PAINTS

These are worth buying in the sale for children to use but check that they are washable.

46. ILL CHILDREN

Try serving drinks in wine glasses and cutting food up very small as in canapés in an attempt to get their appetite back.

47. PARTY BAGS

For a change to the usual goodie bags try a bar of chocolate with a lottery ticket in an envelope. (Note children under 16 will need an adults signature should they be a winner)

48. GARDEN SPACE

If space allows erect a second garden shed for the children to use as a Wendy House or play - den, when they outgrow this then revert it to use as a garden shed.