The bigger the family the better, says Cassandra Jardine
A new report concludes that children growing up in large families are happier and more successful. Told you so, says mother-of-five Cassandra Jardine.

My husband the transsexual
One day the man you married reveals that he wants to become a woman. How do you cope? Anna Moore meets two couples whose relationships have survived the ultimate test - and even flourished.

Dear Vicki and Octavia
Our mother and daughter agony aunts answer your questions.

Children? Who needs them?
Jan Barden on the couples who are happy to live without offspring

Happy families


First-aid: In Daddy's safe(r) hands
Peter Bradshaw gets set for rescue duty thanks to a St John Ambulance course.

Pet subjects


Boat building: Out to launch
Would you like to know your clinker from your carvel and your inwales from your thwart risers? Then the Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy may be the place for you. Sophie Campbell cracks open the champagne with the graduates of 2008.

The Dulwich Mum
This week, the Dulwich Mum's poppets are lost to the claws of granzilla for the weekend.

Dear Vicki and Octavia
Our mother and daughter agony aunts answer your questions.