Getting your child to know older people can be very rewarding and enjoyable. There are a lot of old people around; make sure your know them well before you speak to them. Ask them to tell you what it was like when they were little- what did they wear, where did they go to school, their first job, what changes they have seen. Do they like it better today?

Often they will have fascinating photographs. While you mum and dad may be busy, they will often have time to talk to your child, and showing their photos to you is a good way to start them talking. They may know a lot about what the place where you live was like years ago, what shops there were and about old characters who have since died.

If you like, you could write down what they say or they might like to write about it themselves.

Associated activities- older people often have old recipes which are real treasures and they will give them to your kid to try out. It's nice to give them something in return- a pot of homemade jam, a posy of flowers, anything you have made yourself will go down well. Giving them a little bit of your time is one of the best things you can do. They might also have some ideas for boredom-busters!