Ken Eastwood looks at examples of children who are allowed to be adventurous and explores the knock-on effects. Like a cartoon character, my daughter’s legs concertinaed. She’d been standing at the edge of a cliff, exactly where I’d directed her. In that split second as Zoe...
When Lori Butler’s son is diagnosed with autism, it sheds new light on her family. Three years ago my youngest son, Callum, was diagnosed with autism. The diagnosis was a huge shock to my husband and me. In fact, when it was even suggested we get...
Amy Peden looks at the research and suggests what is the 'best' age and way to learn. Each year in Australia, an average of 23 children under five die from unintentional drowning, usually due to factors such as a lack of adult supervision, unrestricted access to...
None of us would be here without our placenta, the remarkable fetal organ that nourished and sustained us before birth. But despite its importance, the placenta is among the least studied organs and we don’t fully understand how it grows and functions, reports Alys Clark...
Throughout the course of the pandemic, Australian kids felt anxious (34%), irritable (30%) and generally impatient (28%) - and children with certain neurodiverse conditions felt even worse, with 47% of those living with ADHD, and 42% of those with dyslexia feeling more anxious than ever,...
TRAIN YOUR MIND INTO GREATER CALM IN TEN MINUTES A DAY After two years of unprecedented challenges – lockdowns, chronic uncertainty, home-schooling, ongoing stress – life is starting to return to normal. However, after such trauma, many of us need to re-energise and rebuild. Mindfulness meditation...
Here are a few excellent books for school or family libraries, as we remember all those who have fought for our freedom especially at this point in time and on special days like Anzac Day. Books are available on line or through you local library. When The...
Although unprepared for the logistical minutiae of an overseas trip with his children, Carl Crotty doesn’t regret following his dreams. Finally I was booked on a flight to South America. It was a long-held ambition, unfulfilled in my tumultuous twenties and dormant for many years. After...
To push or not to push? That is the question when it comes to music lessons, writes Cathy Douglas. As a parent of three primary-school-aged children, I’ve agonised over music lessons. After all, it’s just not worth the effort if the child isn’t enjoying it. Is...
These recently released books are perfect for reading to young children and highlight new concepts such as belonging, and love as well as just laughing out loud. The Love That Grew by Sarah Ayoub illus. Mimi Purnell pub. HarperCollins h/b RRP $19.99 Ages 2+ This beautiful book is...
