Emotional intelligence

HELP WANTED: Browse these indispensable websites for inspiration and advice on parenting

Jackie Onassis once said that if you bungled bringing up your kids, then nothing else you did in life really matters. With that glooomy thought in mind, we went in search of some kind of guide to one of the few things in our lives that doesn't come with a manual. Our children. Here are the very best sites around - all are helpful in different ways, so choose the style that suits you and get browsing.
tigerchild.com<br>
tigerchild.com
This site has real depth - it covers every topic imaginable, with wonderful, focused advice and direct links to related sites for further information. An 'In the news' section summarising current parenting debates is particularly useful. A comprehensive Sports & Leisure section is something you'll want to visit over and over for both creative and practical ideas on everything from local swimming teachers to party planning, boy scouts and cultural events.
bbc.co.uk/parenting<br>
bbc.co.uk/parenting
Notable for its clarity and ease of use. It is equally as good on the positive side of parenting like playtime ideas and reading as it is on dealing with difficult situations. The tone is supportive and encouraging, yet reassuringly firm, giving important advice in a succinct and manageable way. It also has a strong directory of further resources and offers direct links to news stories.
raisingkids.co.uk<br>
raisingkids.co.uk
The homepage is very news-based and focused on interactivity. For blogs and forums this is a great place to be. There is a wonderful breadth of advice available, which is not immediately apparent from the homepage. If you are looking for a specific subject, click through to your child's age category and go from there.
netmums.com<br>
netmums.com
If you're looking for a site that will make all aspects of your family life easier, then this site is for you. Parenting advice is basic, but where the site excels is its ideas for outings, activities, food and leisure time. There is also a very good Friends & Support section, which covers everything from online chat to local meet-a-mum events and counselling.
parentlineplus.co.uk<br>
parentlineplus.co.uk
This is a well-researched and reliable source that is very easy to search. All key parenting topics are covered here in a way that is timeless - current trends and news are only reflected in the chat rooms.
bullying.co.uk<br>
bullying.co.uk
This charity is a bright, positive website aimed at both kids and parents. Children being bullied should be encouraged to visit this site themselves. It gives good, straight-talking advice, and manages to avoid being patronising.