Q: She was top of the class. Why has my bright daughter stopped trying at school? A: There are many possible reasons your daughter’s performance has changed; exploring these with her will help you pinpoint the problem. The issue may be peer relationships: Perhaps her academic success makes others look bad, or she’s constantly held … Read more
Q: My son has learning difficulties and is fine at school but wears me out at home. What can I do? A: Schools are run on predictable routines and timetables, which help your son feel contained, supported, and safe in this environment. As much as he enjoys this consistency, he will want to let off … Read more
ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Children with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have difficulties in three core areas: inattention, overactivity, and impulsiveness. Usually these are found together. However, some children are primarily overactive and impulsive, whereas others struggle more with attention and concentration. Children with attention/concentration difficulties were previously referred to as … Read more
Myths and misconceptions Is it true that… Q: Children who are hyperactive or have behavioral problems should not have soda? A: Yes and no. Some sodas have very high sugar levels and caffeine, and may contain artificial additives, which will lead to an immediate energy rush followed by a blood-sugar crash. For some children with … Read more
Temperature What happens 104°F / 40°C and 122°F / 50°C Proteins in fish and meat begin to denature 144°F / 62°C Eggs begin to set 154°F / 68°C Collagen denatures (Bovine Type I) 158°F / 70°C Vegetable starches gelatinize 310°F / 154°C Maillard reactions become noticeable 356°F / 180°C Sugar (sucrose) begins to caramelize visibly … Read more
2. 144°F / 62°C: Eggs Begin to Set The lore of eggs is perhaps greater than that of any other food item, and more than one chef has gone on record judging others based on their ability—or inability—to cook an egg. Eggs are the wonder food of the kitchen—they have a light part, a dark … Read more
Q: Our son is bored with our ideas for things we could do together. How can we get him interested? A: Satisfying your son’s inquiring mind is the key to keeping him interested in doing things with you. When you’re out together, take advantage of his natural curiosity by creating family challenges. In the countryside … Read more
Q: My son keeps saying everyone at school gets more freedom than him. Am I really as out of step with other parents as he says? A: Your child is using a common and powerful negotiating tool, that of making comparisons with other parents and children. This can be very helpful, as it is prompting … Read more
Negotiating with your child How to have a successful debate Your child is increasingly keen to express her needs and views and, on occasion, stand her ground. The better her ability to communicate and negotiate, the more effective her transition to independence. Successful negotiation What’s the issue? Clearly define the point you are debating. If … Read more
3. 154°F / 68°C: Collagen (Type I) Denatures An animal’s connective tissues provide structure and support for the muscles and organs in its body. You can think of most connective tissues—loose fascia and ligaments between muscles as well as other structures such as tendons and bones—as a bit like steel reinforcement: they don’t actively contract … Read more
Squid Bruschetta Squid was a culinary mystery to me for a long time. You either cook it for a few minutes or an hour; anywhere in between, and it becomes tough, like chewing on rubber bands. (Not that I chew on rubber bands often enough to say what that’s like.) Why is this? The collagen … Read more
Q: How can I tell if my daughter is depressed and what can I do? A: It can be difficult to know how seriously to take your child’s ups and downs. Get too involved when there is no need, and you interfere with her learning to handle difficult feelings; stay away when it’s serious and … Read more
Therapies for children The various options There is a wide range of therapies available, and it can be difficult to judge which one will be best suited to your child and her difficulty. When you’re looking at types of therapy, do check that there is clear evidence, preferably from academic research as well as case … Read more
Carol Vorderman talks to Gaby Huddart about friends, family and being judged for wearing tight-fitting frocks. Carol, 51, best known for co-hosting Countdown for 26 years, is now a co-anchor of ITV1 chat show Loose Woman, as well as the presenter of The Pride of Britain Awards. Away from TV, Carol runs themathsfactor.com, an online … Read more
Motherhood As a mother, I’d describe myself as very relaxed. But I think I can be like that, as I laid the boundaries when the kids were young – they were very clear about what they could and couldn’t do, and the importance of being polite. But within the boundaries, there has always been a … Read more
Collagen Experiment If all this talk about collagen and texture isn’t gelling for you, do the following experiment. Take a few pieces of beef stew meat, and proceed as though you’re making beef stew. Once your beef is in the slow cooker, set a timer for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove a few pieces … Read more
Sautéed Greens In a sauté or nonstick pan preheated over medium heat, add: 1 bunch Swiss chard, collard greens, or other hardy leafy green vegetable; stems and thick veins removed, and sliced into 1″ strips 2 tablespoons (26g) olive oil (enough to coat the pan) Using tongs, quickly toss the greens to coat them with … Read more
Woman aged 40-plus are reinventing life today. The result? There are no rules about the way we live the second half of our lives, as our fascinating new research and compelling interviews show… You might be married, single, divorced or remarried. Perhaps you’re the breadwinner, on a board, working part-time or running a business and … Read more
She’s a woman who has a dream Tracy Stone, 49, is managing director of Gant. She lives in London with her second husband and has two grown-up sons from her first marriage. “I never intended to work in retail, but I was a hard-up young mum, so I went and got a Saturday job. I … Read more
Garden writer and cook Sarah Raven, 49, tells Emma Pritchard about the flowers that have marked the memorable moment in her life. Sarah is married to writer Adam Nicolson, and has two teenage daughters and three stepsons. She lives at Perch Hill Farm in Sussex, where she runs courses in cooking, flower arranging, growing and … Read more