"WHAT would help us help a teenager with panic attacks?" Mick, grandfather of four from Clayton.

Anxiety in teenagers is more common than you might imagine, with over one in 20 children suffering at some time. Panic attacks are a strong physical fear reaction which can involve sweating, shaking and rapid heart beat that creates an overwhelming desire to leave the situation they're in. For some this can be a social situation, the thought of something frightening, or it may be 'free floating', meaning there is no noticeable trigger. The most effective way to help your teenager is to encourage her to visit her GP for a referral to the local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. It is likely that a talking therapy, such as cognitive behaviour therapy, will be recommended which will help your teen break the cycle of fearful thoughts, panic symptoms and avoidance. You can help by being sympathetic and gently encouraging, without forcing them, to enter situations that are anxiety provoking. For more information and ideas visit childrenfirst.nhs.uk/teens/health/dear_doc/archive/p/panic_attacks.html.

"I WANT to potty train my two-year-old, how can I tell she's ready and where do I start?" Liz, mother of one from Goldenhill.

Being ready to use the potty usually happens between 18 months and three years of age. Your child is ready to give the potty a go if she can tell you when she's done a wee or is about to, can squat down without falling over and is able to pull her undies up and down. Make it as easy as possible by keeping her in loose fitting clothes that she can pull off herself. Let her choose her own potty and keep it nearby or use a toilet seat insert, but don't ask her to try to balance on an adult size loo seat as it doesn't fully support a small child. Show her what you expect her to do, for example by acting out using the potty with a teddy or doll. Pop her on the potty at set times each day, 20 minutes after a meal or snack can work well. Give her plenty to drink then you'll have lots of chances to praise her for sitting on or using the potty. Your child will have plenty of accidents as she learns. Keep calm, and expect a mess.