One of my earliest childhood memories was kneeling down in front of my Grandmother as she delicately plaited my hair every Sunday. I used to look forward to this, especially the part where I got to peer into a tiny box to choose from a selection of ribbons; blue gingham, pink polka dots, golden - there was plenty of choice. Having spent a few moments on this - my Grandmother would then tie them into cute little bows at the end of my plaits.

Every Sunday after this ritual I would feel like a very special little girl and dare I say it - a very beautiful one at that. It is for this reason that hair accessories are a simple, but very effective method of making your kids happy. Children don't wear hair accessories to be in with the latest trends like we do - but like us, it is a way to play around with ideas and feel good about themselves.

It's not all about ribbons either - there are billions of hair accessories to tie up, pin back and ultimately make the locks of your little darlings that extra bit special. We too often diffuse tantrums and the like by offering candy or pricey gifts, but the next time your little girl gets upset - cheer her up with a 'hair' session, she will love the attention and the way it makes her feel like a modern-day princess.

Children grow in confidence when they receive compliments, which is another thing where hair accessories can help. Adding things like flowers, butterflies and gemstones will give them something to talk about among friends and will have children and adults alike complimenting them no end.

The benefits don't end there either, bonny hair accessories can be very practical too. Instead of taking the hair out of their eyes by a simple elastic band - give them the choice of wearing a headband. Take them with you when you go to the shops and let them pick from an assortment of different sizes, colors, patterns and materials - they can have one for each day of the week if they like. I can say this because you don't have to break the bank on hair accessories for kids, after all they won't know the difference between one that cost $5 to one that cost $50.

Probably, on the wish list of every daughter is a tiara. Tiaras are great for dressing up and playing out fairytale stories. They are also one of the best hair accessories to send them off to birthday parties or any special event including weddings and engagement functions.

It is a great time to introduce hair accessories to your children when they are young, showing them ways of styling their hair will teach them to be creative and to take care of their looks. You never know - as they get older they might be able to teach you a thing or two.