Your child's first day at playschool, nursery or kindie can be a daunting prospect for both you and them. But our advice will help to ensure that their experience of playschool is a happy one from the start.

Socialising with other children is a skill that has to be learnt gradually, and some children will find it easier than others. If you can introduce your little one to the idea of sharing and taking turns before they starts at preschool, they'll find the whole experience less daunting.

If you don't have a network of other mums with children the same age as yours, joining a mother and toddler group is a great way to introduce your child to socialising while you keep a watchful eye.