In a world where physical distancing and social isolation have become the new norm, there’s a greater need to empathise with one another, to be understanding and to stay connected, writes Ling Wu We need empathy*, more than ever before. But where does it start? I...
Learn2Swim Week returns nationwide for its seventh year 25 Sep - 4 Oct Last year, 19 children under five tragically drowned in Australia , 12 in backyard pools. To help prevent tragic deaths, Poolwerx and Kids Alive have partnered with Australia’s swim schools to offer free...
In lots of simple ways parents can help their kids understand and enjoy maths, writes Kylie Robson Teaching maths concepts has long been considered the domain of the classroom teacher, with many parents often feeling unable to help their kids develop this skill. However, parents already...
“Is my child ready for school?” It’s a question many parents ask as their child reaches the age of four or five. The first five years of a child’s life is crucial in the development of their social and emotional skills, as well as their communication, language,...
Lockdown doesn’t change the important health checks we should all have, even when we are healthy, writes Andria Aird. Regular health checks can quickly identify health issues for prompt treatment. This includes getting appropriate vaccinations, checking blood pressure, cholesterol and addressing any lifestyle factors. Some...
Reading has always been an essential skill for every child, especially now that we’re all stuck inside a little more than usual. It’s an even more vital tool for them to keep entertained, relaxed, and inspired. Here are some simple ways to broaden your child’s...
'Nipple Nazi’ is probably a cathartic shout-out on behalf of women who feel ripped off by a message that delivers pressure without assuring them the means of living up to expectations, writes Katie Attwell Intrigued by recent research that shows longer-term breastfeeding may be linked to...
As the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us all too well, good health policy depends on prior planning, decisive action, and a willingness to spend money. But there’s another area where Australia’s willingness to plan and spend has fallen far short: monitoring breastfeeding rates. A newly released...
The amount of conflicting advice and information expecting parents get can be overwhelming – our experts sort the factual from the less factual, writes Erin Munro, University of Melbourne For women, couples and families, pregnancy is one of life’s most important experiences, but it can also...
Non-medical sex selection for IVF babies is banned in Australia, but the legislation is blurry and confusing for parents, doctors and lawyers making decisions in this ethical minefield By Dr Michelle Taylor-Sands and Dr Malcolm Smith In 2011, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) refused a...
