Tips on toughening up your child

Family therapist Iris Chau Yuen-fan and psychologist Stephen Mann Ka-fai offer a few tips for raising children who will be able to stand up to the hard knocks of life.

• Let children make decisions for themselves as early as possible. Give small children two choices to give them a taste of taking charge of their own life.

• Help youngsters expand their social circle. A strong network of friends can serve as a buffer against stress and obstacles.