Nightmares are bad dreams that can wake children up and leave them feeling scared and upset. Be patient if your child has a nightmare. She might need you to reassure her that everything is OK. If your child has a lot of nightmares, think about what he’s doing or seeing during the day that might trigger the nightmares, or what is happening in the news that is scary. Nightmares can be caused by stress and trauma. See a professional if you’re worried.

Bonding is a close, emotional relationship between parents and their babies. You can build these connections through small, everyday contacts. See these pictures to learn more!

Key points Warm and responsive relationships with parents are key to preschoolers’ development and wellbeing. Relationships with preschoolers change as feelings become more complex and thinking and talking skills develop. Strengthen relationships by listening and talking with preschoolers, doing everyday things together, and giving positive attention.

If your child is being bullied at preschool, it’s important to step in quickly. You and the preschool staff need to work together to stop the bullying.

When you give your child time-out for unacceptable behaviour, you take your child away from interesting activities and attention. When used as one part of your guidance, time-out can be a very effective way of helping children learn the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.

Key points Language develops rapidly in the toddler years. Notice what your child shows interest in, comment on it, and let your child respond. Give your child words to describe feelings or body language. Get toddlers talking through everyday activities and play.

Key points Warm and responsive relationships with parents are key to toddlers’ development and wellbeing. Relationships with toddlers change as they develop independence, language and big feelings. Strengthen relationships by listening and talking with toddlers, doing everyday things together, and giving positive attention.

Key points Many children have repetitive physical habits like nail-biting, thumb-sucking or nose-picking. Although they can be annoying, they may help relieve stress, and they usually go away by themselves. To help your child break a habit, use gentle reminders when your child does the habit. Praise your child when he doesn’t.

Some children are naturally shy or "slow to warm up." This means they’re uncomfortable in many social situations, especially new situations. You can help a shy child by recognising that shyness is normal, but also supporting him in social situations and gradually encouraging brave social behaviour. Seek help if shyness is causing a problem for you or your child.

Key points It can be hard for children to move from one activity to another, especially if they are enjoying something and do not want to stop. Routines can help with transitions that happen every day. Children can accept change better when they know it is coming. It also helps to give children enough warning, allow time for transitions, offer choices and resist bad behaviour.