"As a rough guideline, we'd advise at least 30 minutes per day - although of course this is somewhat weather-dependent! If your child isn't used to unstructured outdoor play, start by spending 10 minutes with them setting a game up, and then leave them to get on with it. Once they get the hang of it, you won't be able to get them to come back inside."

"Talk to your daughter - ask her to pick her favourite one or two classes and drop the rest (She can always pick them back up later). Parents often feel organised activities are the best way to maximise their child's time - but we can't emphasise enough how important unstructured activities are for your child's learning and development!"

"Ah, technology - it's a blessing and a curse! Resist the urge to ban your girls altogether, though. Don't make computer games a 'treat' either - this can be counter-productive since, by default, that makes every other activity a 'chore'. Instead, work to get more balance in their spare time. Buy or borrow a few outdoor games - few children can bear to look at a ball and hoop without having a go at shooting! If they're reluctant at first, introduce them to outdoor play gradually, perhaps by letting them take their portable video games outside."

"So many moms ask this - modern life is just so busy for everyone! Our advice is to make the most of the time you do have with your child. In your case, there's no reason why bathtime and bedtime can't be creative and playful too. Turn his bedtime routine into quality time by thinking up fun games that encourage your son to play imaginatively. Not only can this time be superb for his learning and development, but you'll have great fun bonding too."

"Absolutely! Research shows unstructured play is a crucial stress-reliever for children, as well as having huge development value. If your child feels worried about exams or friends, for example, play is a great way to unwind. Crucially, play-time is one of the few times when the child, and only the child, is in control of what's going on."