Is it character-building to let a 7-year-old walk home alone?

When mum-of-three Joanne Byrne was growing up, no one expressed concern about the level of freedom and independence her parents gave her.

> If a dog coughs more than just occasionally, you need tosee the vet

Cooking up a storm: The best cookbooks on sale this Christmas

Jillian Bolger

It's that time of year when tempting treats and fantastic feast tickle our taste buds, so what better gift to get than a good cookbook?

+ Rescue dogs make just as good pets as pedigree pups and they're much less expensive

Ernie is nervous in his new home

Rebecca's family used to have two dogs, but they both died of old age in 2013. Ever since then, she's been keen to have another pet, and she was delighted when her family finally agreed last week to take on a new rescue dog.

Weekend bites: Talking turkey

Looking for something interesting to do with your turkey left overs this year? How about turning your back on tradition and livening things up with a spicy Thai treat on St Stephen's Day?

The bus firm stressed in a December circular to drivers that health and safety considerations rule out the use of festive outfits

Mum's the Word: The annual toy cull is a necessary evil as new arrivals loom

Jillian Bolger

Christmas . . . tis the season for ruthless pruning. Up and down the country parents, weak in anticipation of Mr Claus’s arrival, are busily editing their toy collections, making room for yet another...

Bin raid made my dog go blind

Suki is a healthy 13-year-old dog, with the usual minor problems of old age. Her muzzle is greying and she has early cataracts in her eyes, so her vision is beginning to dim.

> Dogs should be prevented from eating too much poultry skin, from both chicken and turkey

Family guy: This year we're taking Christmas back

David Diebold

DECEMBER hasn't just crept up on me this year, it has clobbered me and dragged me hooded into a basement, where I'm to be chained to a radiator and tortured by Slade music until the ransom is paid.