Why the 'no screens' rule is setting parents up to fail

Parents are told to avoid screens altogether in the first two years of a child’s life, writes Stephanie Milford. At the same time, digital devices are part of everyday family life used for communication, work, learning, and at times, simply getting through the day.

EDITOR’S PICKS

Recipe: Apple and Oat Crumble Dessert for under $2 per serve
A warm, easy pudding using pantry basics and any tired fruit in the bowl This is a good one for families because it feels like dessert, but it’s mostly fruit, oats and pantry staples. It is also forgiving — you can use apples, pears, frozen...
Editor
04 June, 2026
New child safety checks hit hundreds of childcare centres across NSW and Victoria
More than 500 early learning and outside school hours care services across NSW and Victoria were visited without warning this week as regulators stepped up efforts to strengthen child safety in childcare settings. Here’s what parents need to know about the latest compliance blitz —...
Editor
28 May, 2026
Your smart home can be easily hacked. Stay vigilant!
New safety standards will help, but stay vigilant, advises Yang Xiang. On a quiet suburban street, a modern Australian home wakes before its owners do. The lights turn on automatically, the thermostat adjusts to a comfortable temperature, and the coffee machine begins brewing. A doorbell...
Editor
21 May, 2026
4 expert tips for family mealtimes without the drama
When you have young children, writes Nick Fuller, it can be tempting to feed them early, then sit down to a separate meal once they’re in bed. But setting a routine where you eat as a family, for even a couple of nights a week,...
Editor
14 May, 2026
Not Too Much, Not Too Little: The Social Media ‘Sweet Spot’ for Aussie Teens
Parents are hearing louder calls to limit kids’ screen time, especially with platforms like TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube under scrutiny. But new Australian research suggests the answer may not be as simple as “less is best.”
Editor
13 May, 2026
Recipe: 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken under $5 a serve
When the budget’s tight but you still want something fresh and satisfying, this Thai basil chicken delivers. It’s fast, flexible, and easy to bulk out with extra veg—perfect for busy weeknights.
Editor
07 May, 2026

Celebrating Mothers

Why Family Mealtimes Bring Out the Sayings We Swore We’d Never Use
Family dinners with young children can be messy, noisy and exhausting. Rebecca James finds herself reaching for an old family saying — and realising she may be turning into her grandfather after all. The nightly chaos of feeding children “I don’t like this!” Jimmy makes...
Editor
04 June, 2026
Working Mum Guilt: Why Mothers Don’t Need Any More of It
For many working mums, the hardest critic isn’t a boss, a teacher or another parent — it’s the voice in their own head. Emma Robertson reflects on motherhood, guilt, grandmothers and the impossible standard of being everywhere at once. What makes a “real” mother? Mention...
Editor
28 May, 2026
“Jessica!”: The TikTok tantrum hack parents are trying — and what it really teaches kids
Parents are trying the viral “Jessica!” tantrum hack to stop meltdowns in seconds. But while experts say it can work short term, they also warn it shouldn’t replace helping kids understand big feelings.
Editor
06 May, 2026
The ‘Magic Spray’ That Helped My Child Face His Fears
When logic fails and big emotions take over, Linda Bosnic discovers that a little imagination can go a long way in helping children feel brave again. Bottled Up Fears The life of a four-year-old seems fairly easy and carefree. But every now and again you...
Editor
16 April, 2026