Plastic trellis makes an effective cover for a sandpit. It discourages cats and other inquisitive animals, yet is light enough for children to remove by themselves.

Have the “birthday child” do colourful paintings on some small brown paper bags and use them as lolly bags at the child’s party. Fold the bags over at the top and stick down with bright stickers or stars.

Use a large bulldog clip to hold your child’s school paintings together and hang them behind the bedroom door. Put new paintings on top and, when the wad gets too thick, remove some of the paintings from the back.

Mulberry stains on children’s clothes or skin can be removed by rubbing the stained areas with unripe mulberries. This must be done before stained clothing is washed.

Personalise hand-me-down clothes by adding new buttons or appliques to the garment. It’s even better if children select their own new trimmings.

Young children can learn to knit more easily if you teach them using two crochet hooks instead of knitting needles. Use the hook end as the point and they won’t lose the stitches, or their patience, so often.

Try using jelly instead of fruit juice when making iceblocks at home. Make up a packet of jelly crystals as directed, pour into iceblock moulds and freeze. They’re delicious and not as “drippy” as regular ice blocks.

To avoid iron-on and sew-on labels coming off children’s clothing, buy some fabric paint and use it to write their names on everything instead. The paint is permanent after drying for 24 hours and doesn’t fade.

Faded felt pens can be rejuvenated by removing the ends and pouring a few drops of water into their stems. Replace the ends, stand them upside down for a short time, and you’ll double their life.

Make a photograph album especially for the children. Fill it with duplicates of your favourite shots of family, pets, outings and so on, and they’ll get hours of fun from it.