There's no denying it - children can be pesky creatures. But because we love them to bits anyway, bringing them up "just right" become's our life's work. Over the years though, how to do it has changed completely. What monster would smack a crying child until it slept these days? So to celebrate its 80th anniversary, Nursery World has been taking a look at childcare over the years. * 1925, advice for curing a fussy eater - "Cut out feeding times for 24 hours. He has water in abundance, exercise, rest, peace. "After that you will have no trouble with regard to food, and the wicked boy may be transformed into a likeable young person who appreciates his mealtimes." Experienced nursery nurse Deborah Lawson says: "We wouldn't advise this now. "A lot is about setting boundaries. We shouldn't encourage our children to constantly graze. They need a good routine, with exercise, fresh air and plenty of water. "But even so, there does come a point where you might say, 'Have that or nothing'." * 1936: "My charge would wake up every night and cry for hours. Then one night, instead of petting her, I gave her a smacking. "Every night after when she cried without reason, I smacked her. After three weeks, I had nights of undisturbed rest." Deborah says: "There are ways and means of being firm without having to resort to corporal punishment. We would not condone any form of violence whatsoever. "These days, we might use a rewards chart, promoting positive behaviour." * 1938: "My little girl is two, with quick-growing straggly straight hair. I wonder if shaving would make it coarser and easier to keep in order." Deborah says: "Some babies are born with lots of hair, some without any, some don't have a decent thatch until they are three or even more. So don't resort to shaving heads!" * 1965 on allergies. "Cover pillows, especially feather pillows used by children susceptible to asthma and hay fever, with polythene bags." Deborah says: "Never do this! Far too dangerous." | 
