All parents want their children to be smart, but did you know you can enhance their mental development by nurturing their self-esteem? This issue's cover story also explores why too much pressure on pre-schoolers can lead to trouble, and how mind-mapping encourages creativity and learning. The substances we use to oil the machine for healthy growth are just as critical. We wouldn't put contaminated oil into our cars, so why should we let dubious cooking oil pollute the diet of our beloved kids? In this issue's food column we distil the good fat from the bad. It's been a few months since Lunar New Year. What did your children do with their lai see money? Why not use it to teach them about saving? In our money report, experts suggest a trick or two. Summer is here and it's time to play. Use our tips to plan a fun-packed birthday party, or dress them up in the sporty outfits worn by our little models. And if that's not cool enough, head south with us for an alpine experience Down Under. Our children had a fantastic time in the snow.

Tsang Shuk-wa